Cupcake Daze

Friday Funnies

2012-02-03T15:05:00.001-06:00

Cheese balls are a rare occurrence in our household. So much in fact that Miss M decided to show me just how the treat makes her feel.....

Thankful it doesn't take much to make my kids smile these days.

Cozumel!!

2012-02-02T15:29:00.000-06:00

A friend recently pointed out that I never showed her any pictures from our trip to Cozumel last June. I thought I better get some posted before our trip down again this summer!

a tired traveler.....ready for some food and fun!

me, Miss M, Cupcake Nana, and Aunt K

the view from one of our 3 balconies!

Nana & Miss M enjoying some music on the balcony

towel animals every day, just like on a cruise

The outdoor bed on the largest balcony. I just needed mosquito netting and I would have slept outside most nights! It was a fun spot for cards and taking a nap though.

Me and my SIL with some of the Native American dancers from one of the shows we saw.

Aunt J was brave to hold this big guy. Smaller iguanas were everywhere; kinda like squirrels are in my neighborhood.

Mr C on an excursion to the other side of the island

Miss M was usually in her swimsuit and had a red tongue from strawberry daiquiris.

She was really excited about the braids and left them in for over a week after we got home.

The view at night from our room.....

Two "tour guides" showing the giant tiki type roof on the lobby.

Enjoying one of 3 pools....

Another strawberry drink!!

I took this shot in the ocean to show how crystal clear the water was - almost more so than the pool itself! I enjoyed snorkeling a little each day. My dad and brother are the only two divers in the group.

Another night view.....

Last drink and stroll around the property before leaving the next morning.

The waiters got to know my children well and started a carafe of hot chocolate with a dish of whipped cream each morning when we walked in.

Time to leave paradise.....we are looking forward to heading back again this June!

Christmas Coffee & Cute Cupcakes!!

2012-01-24T21:27:00.000-06:00

Last year, I started hosting a come and go Christmas coffee for some special friends. For me, it's easier than a full fledged party at that time of year.

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Kids are welcome, some friends bring something tasty to share, I provide coffee, tea, & spiced cider plus a few yummies. We talk, and eat, and laugh.....and repeat for about 2 hours. It's a little crowded and sometimes a lot noisy, but so fun to catch up with friends I see every week and some I only see once or twice a year.

I also started the tradition of making an ornament for my attendees. Last year it was rather last minute - salt dough "teapots" painted red and decorated with a white paint pen. This year I got a little fancier, but it was even faster and easier than last year!

You just need a glue gun, mini ornaments (mine were shades of pink), mini foil cupcake liners, red berries, white paint and glitter or snow. I actually used a product called "snow paint" that has been in my stash for years! There's no tutorial - I think you can see how to do it. I'd show the blog where I first saw this, but I can't find it now!

A bounty of cupcakes in thrifted (of course!) milk glass!

Just because.....

2012-01-24T21:16:00.000-06:00

Miss M saw this picture and wondered why I hadn't posted it yet. Yes, Christmas was a month ago tomorrow, but it's my blog, right? (She also wants me me to add that her dress was on clearance, down from $60 to a mere $5 back in the summer. Yes, my girl can spot a crazy good deal!)

P.S. A certain little boy enjoys pockets, can you tell?

Friday Funnies

2012-01-20T13:58:00.000-06:00

While riding in the car with Cupcake Nana one day, Mr C told her to

"Be very careful. There are old people driving out there."

This driver looks pretty scary to me!

Boys and Cars

2012-01-19T14:46:00.001-06:00

Back in the fall, we took a day to visit a car museum in our area. We invited Mr. C's "BFF" and his mom to join us. The boys had lots of fun.

This cream beauty was one of my favorites.

They were pretty sure this one was related to Francesco from Cars 2.

The two moms learned that the original Volkswagen brand was designed by Ferdinand Porsche but Adolf Hitler took a hand in the planning too.

We were the only ones there, so one of the workers took us into the workshop. The boys were able to get inside a few vehicles and "drive".

Bikinis & Gingerbread

2012-01-06T21:04:00.000-06:00

Mr C was all about Christmas this year - decorating, cooking, shopping, wrapping presents - he was game no matter what. Nothing would do except to make gingerbread people this year.

My little baking assistant...

Miss M gets in the action

and adds her own flair after asking if she could "get a little creative".

Yes, you are looking at a gingerbread people in swimsuits. Guess she's already dreaming of our vacation in Cozumel.

Three of my most favorite people in the world! Waiting and waiting for the parade to start!

Friday Funnies

2012-01-06T20:57:00.000-06:00

OK....so it's a new year. I'll try to get back to more regular posting!

Today Mr. C showed me that he had a big hole in his sock. "Well, I guess you'll need to throw them out because it's pretty big and I don't think I can fix it."
His question to me was, "Not both of them. The other one is good so I will keep it."
Never mind that they are race car socks and he only has one pair.

Check back soon for a post about a Hot Wheels party for a pretty cool little boy who just turned F-I-V-E!!

Easy Neighbor & Teacher Gifts

2011-12-06T14:33:00.000-06:00

I always like to do a little something for my neighbors at various times throughout the year. Usually at Christmas, it's something from my kitchen but then you have the expense and trouble of how to package the goodies. I went with something a little different after a reminder from a friend about her scent of Christmas recipe. It's really easy and not too expensive if you catch a sale or have an Aldi store nearby. That's where my fruit came from and the spices were on sale at my local grocery store last week. The baggies came from Hobby Lobby.

In each baggie, place one orange and one lime. You could probably sub an apple for one of the citrus if you wanted. Also add in a sprinkle of whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 5-6 whole bay leaves. That's it! Attach a tag that instructs the recipient to quarter the fruit, add the spices, and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then simmer all day, adding more water as needed.

While also at Aldi's, I decided to do a goodie basket for the teacher's lounge. Miss M's school has a pretty small staff, so there's enough for everyone to have a little something. Using a Goodwill basket I had on hand, I spent less than $15 for the entire basket. I included:

3 green apples, 3 bananas, 3 red apples
2 oranges and 2 pears
1 can of beef snack sticks
roasted peanuts in the shell
Hershey chocolate kisses
Peppermint Oreo type cookies

Tied up with a bow and a note of appreciation, this former teacher thinks the basket will empty quickly once placed in the teacher's lounge tomorrow morning. For both of these gifts, I would suggest giving them early in December so the goodies are eaten before Christmas break and the scent of Christmas may be enjoyed if your friend hosts any kind of holiday gathering in her home.

Friday Funnies

2011-12-03T11:13:00.000-06:00

While visiting my parents over Thanksgiving, we were observing the three beagles, (ours, my folks, and my brothers) romp and play in the yard. One started to dig and my dad called out "Rudy, stop digging you crazy dog!"
Miss M. replied, "Popa, that's not what Daddy calls Hudson. He calls him a dead-gum dog."

Oh how I love little ears that mishear. She thought it was funny that I didn't know what dead-gum or dad-gum meant.

Friday Funnies

2011-11-04T13:39:00.000-05:00

Mr. C came running to find me the other day during his TV time. "I don't like this show. It's called the Balooney Tunes and it's kinda scary."

Don't you love how little ears mishear things sometime?

Halloween Fun

2011-11-02T11:14:00.001-05:00

Even though Mr C doesn't look too happy in most of these pictures, he was thrilled with his costume. He did however elect not to wear the fuzzy mustache that came with the costume. "It's itchy and how will I eat a hot dog?" Good point Mario!

Since I sold 3 outgrown costumes before Halloween, I was able to feel OK about spending $20 on the Mario costume. We had a total of 4 Marios at church Sunday night, so I am pretty confident I will be able to sell it with no trouble next fall.

Annie did a little singing for a few lucky few! Her dress a thrift find for $3 this summer, with the addition of my gold locket, her black Mary Jane's, and $2 for a can of red hairspray on her hair which was curled the night before. It washed out surprisingly easy too.

The winning car at trunk or treat. Skippy the dog was later added as the inmate -in a full doggy costume. Really, how can you compete with a cute pup?

2nd place Fiesta!

Our car "Parkway Perk" coffee shop - a play on the name of our church. As in the past, we didn't spend much on our car, using things we had around the house! Click here for a peek at our trunk from last year.

We served hot chocolate with whipped cream and sprinkles along with candy of course!

The menu got lots of attention.

Phineas! (The kids and I clean out the guts and Dad does the fancy stuff.)

A night shot just before we went home. See our luminaries on the ground? They had coffee scented tea lights in them - we worked on ALL the senses!

Day 2 of fun - Halloween Night! Since it was a school night Miss M opted for a simpler costume. She wasn't 100% thrilled with the flour on her face, but the mixing bowl "treat bag" made her happy! Mr C stuck with Mario.

Not really sure what's she's going for in this shot - Iron Chef maybe?

Friday Funnies

2011-10-28T09:01:00.000-05:00

Crazy Hair Night @ Awana..... not much else to say. (I am tired from being up too last with a certain baseball game last night so this is as good as it gets today!)

Also, Mr C wanted me to post this joke for you folks who live in an area like we do where jokes are expected on Halloween in exchange for candy.

What did the tornado say to the car?

Do you want to go for a spin?

Apple Pickin'

2011-10-25T16:44:00.000-05:00

Back in the day when I taught kindergarten in Arkansas, we would always do an "apple" unit in early fall. Never mind I had never picked an apple anywhere but the grocery store and neither had my students! It was exciting my first fall "up north" when we took the students to a real apple orchard. I remember thinking how fun it would be to take my own children some day. We have gone about every other year and this time around we decided to go a little further across the river and into the next state. Lots of fun as you can see!

This was a "mine shaft" tunnel slide....we spent a lot of time in this area.

A long trek back up the hill!

We ran into some neighbors on the apple wagon and they snapped this photo of us.

The apple picking was little disappointing to Miss M because there had been several hundred preschoolers the week before us and lots of apples had fallen on the ground. Mr C didn't mind as it made it much easier for him to pick! They were still tasty though and made for a great apple crisp.

Rides, this giant jumping thing, and silly shows made for a fun day!

Secret Keeper Girls

2011-10-24T10:23:00.000-05:00

I can't say enough about a recent Secret Keeper Girls event Miss M and attended with several friends. If you are a person of influence in the life of a young girl aged 8-12, check out this site. Several of us also read the book by Dannah Gresh entitled"Six Ways to Keep the "Little" in Your Girl and it was an excellent read for mothers of girls even as young as 5 or 6.

We had a fun time piling in the church van for a short ride across the river into the next state and grabbed a bite to eat before the event.

Miss M and I were chosen to play a game. Luckily, we had help from the audience!

The event was a perfect mix of fun and the truth that is found in God's Holy Word. Modesty, labels, hurtful words....just a few of the topics presented. Some of our girls are already on me to check into bringing Secret Keeper Live to our church!

Friday Funnies

2011-10-22T09:02:00.000-05:00

A day late, but still had to post this picture.

I think this woman is trying to steal a pumpkin.

Fancy & Frugal

2011-10-13T09:41:00.000-05:00

My real life friends know I love a good bargain, so I just had to post a few pictures from a recent wedding our family attended. Miss M is sporting a sparkly dress in crimson velvet that we scored from Kohl's during an end of spring sale. The original price was $50. It was 90% off, making it $5!!

Not to be outdone, Mr C is dressed up in a totally free-to-me 3 piece hand-me-down suit, which included the shirt and tie. With shoes from Payless and Target, they were dressed to the nines and we only spent pennies!

The reception was baseball themed, so guests were invited to pose with various props for candid shots. My wee ones took advantage of it and posed with their "just like family, but not really" aunts.

Friday Funnies

2011-10-07T13:59:00.000-05:00

Mr C is trying to learn the song "Bible Book Bop" by the Go Fish Guys. He is convinced that the next to last book of the New Testament is "dude" - not Jude.

Sweet & Simple Gift

2011-10-04T08:57:00.000-05:00

This was so easy and a big hit with Miss M's teacher at open house night. I didn't even have to purchase the takeout box - I received a little something in it and just saved it for this purpose! Just dip one half of a few fortune cookies into melted chocolate and add a few sprinkles. Then go here and print out cute labels and call it done! You could make your own label to personalize for just about anyone who needed a little day brightener.

Miss M's 8th Birthday Luau

2011-10-03T08:54:00.000-05:00

Call me crazy, but yes I let Miss M invite six friends over for s sleepover party. We did have the assistance of an "aunt". Sara fills that void nicely since our family is out of state. The evening started off with making tie-dyed shirts.

Miss M and I sporting our matching VERY vintage and VERY authentic Hawaiian shirts my grandparents got on a trip right around the time I was born. (see, VERY vintage!)

Fruit kabobs, a veggie tray, and pizza for dinner...not very Hawaiian but easy and tasty nonetheless!

Miss M showing off her flip-flop cake. It was just about the easiest cake we have made to date!

Turquoise of course! Click here for directions.

A little bleary-eyed the next morning but most were still going strong. Doughnuts helped the cause.

Our customary "crazy" shot on the front porch, sporting the shirts we made.

Also, big thanks to my friend Kris for loaning us a bug tub of tropical decorations. As you can see, even the bathroom got in the party spirit. When I started this post, I realized just how few pictures I had taken - too busy making the party happen I guess!

For the actual birthday day at Nana & Popa's house, we continued the theme with a beach cake.

At long last, Miss M got her ears pierced with no tears! Can hardly believe my girl is eight!

Friday Funnies

2011-09-30T12:27:00.000-05:00

Ever have one of those days?

FYI: I didn't put him in the carrier, but I did ask him to get back in so I could take a picture!

Friday Funnies

2011-09-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

"Wow! This calculator is really good at math!" remarked my usually very smart sounding 2nd grader. I hate to admit it, but she is her mother's daughter.

Friday Funnies

2011-09-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Miss M is in love with Mad Libs. They are a good way to pass the time when we are stuck in traffic or traveling. I love that Mr C calls them "Mad Lips".

Friday Funnies

2011-08-26T16:34:00.000-05:00

A MONTH since my last post? Where did August go? Wow....
Overheard at my house this week during dinner, at which we had broccoli.
Mr C: I hope there is not broccoli in heaven.

This picture really has nothing to do with the post, but here it is anyway!

Glam Girl's Room on a Budget

2011-07-26T23:01:00.000-05:00

Old outlet covers..made new with a coat of silver spray paint. We also painted the floor vent and the drawer handles.

A yellow wall becomes turquoise!

She already had the pink canopy (a $3 garage find a few years ago). The flower hooks and name above the window were purple and pink. I repainted all the purple parts turquoise.

Switch plate cover...glammed up with turquoise paint and the same rhinestones as the lamp. It makes me happy that she wanted the vinyl puppies on the wall...lets me know she is still a little girl and not growing TOO fast.

Old hand-me down mirror freshened up with a coat of what else.....silver spray paint!

A bit of hand-sewn ribbon detail adds a little sparkle to the curtains.

This bulletin board has been several colors in its lifetime...turquoise with a spray of glitter gave it new life. The two over the door jewel hooks add a little more storage for all kinds of things.

So, the total breakdown of the room redo:
bedding and curtains: $70, but it was a birthday gift from Cupcake Nana.
gallon of paint: $20
ribbon: $2
silver spray paint: $5
nightstand table: $20, plus a few materials already on hand
light switch cover: $5
package of rhinestones: $3
lamp: $10
trim for lamp: $5
vinyl puppies: $10
turquoise spray paint: on hand
total for room: $150
seeing the pleasure on your daughter's face of a job well done: priceless!
We still have a few little things to finish, but she is very happy with the results and proud of our work. I have caught her several times just sitting in her room and looking around. Happy (early) birthday Miss M!

Thrifty Lamp Re-do & Candlestick Frame

2011-07-17T18:44:00.001-05:00

Yes, I am finally posting after a blogging break...mostly for a lack of time more than anything else. Summer has finally arrived in the Midwest and the heat is driving my family indoors, so maybe I'll get caught up a bit now! One project that has been keeping us busy is updating Miss M's bedroom decor. She turns the ripe old age of 8 in 2 weeks and has been after us to redecorate her bedroom for several months. It's almost finished, but here's a sneak peek.
I picked up this lamp at a thrift store for $10 before we even started on the room. At that point, she knew the main color would be turquoise and I thought the silver base and acrylic "jewels" could work in the room.

Here's the before....perfect size, marble base good for defending yourself against bumps in the night...

Now, with a coat of turquoise spray paint left from this awning project and some hot glue action paired with sequined trim and rhinestones at a total cost of $15 for the lamp and supplies...

I will confess that the shade is a little marbled looking when the light is on, but the effect is perfect for Miss M's room. After I completed the lamp, I saw fabric spray paint at Michael's so I may investigate that for future projects. I also made the little frame in the photo...more details about that later but it probably only cost about $2 and took about 2 minutes to make!

Finally, a full shot of the new bedside table made by Miss M's daddy. If she ever gets the floor and dresser cleared off enough I'll take some more pictures!

Friday Funnies

2011-05-06T20:28:00.000-05:00

Overheard in my car last week when my dad was visiting....Earlier in the day Miss M had been calling her brother "annoying". When he kicked Popa's seatback, Popa said "I agree with your statement. Sometimes he is annoying."
Mr C piped up "I am NOT annoying! I am cute!" Just another one of those things you shouldn't laugh at, but you can't help yourself.

Friday Funnies

2011-04-22T07:05:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, I finally decided to upload the massive amount of pictures from my camera. While clicking through them, I wasn't sure what I was looking at:

Give up? It's a sampling of Miss M's mad photography skills.

My New Love - The Farmer's Almanac

2011-04-19T10:59:00.000-05:00

Who knew this little book was was so smart? Well, at least this year it is! Way back in January, I read that the F.A. predicted snow and unusually cold weather for my part of the country sometime March 24-27. The kids and I wrote "major snow" on the calendar and my husband chuckled at us. Guess what? It was RIGHT!! The week started off in the 80s, which was really nice since it our spring break. It gradually got colder and then we woke up to sleet and snow on the 25th.

It started snowing again on the 26th and didn't stop for most of the day. We finally got good packing snow and the kids and I headed out for a snowball fight. We didn't actually go out until after dinner, which was strange. But with daylight savings time already in motion, there was more than enough light and we played out until almost 7 PM. The F.A. also predicted a lot of stormy weather for this week...and it has done so already with more to come. I don't know how it all works, but they have been correct about other smaller weather events this year too - all several months and weeks in advance.

I Lost My Pants in the Swimming Pool and other fun stuff...

2011-04-03T16:06:00.000-05:00

No, not really! But last summer the kids and I enjoyed a free library concert by Babaloo. With titles like "The Wee Wee Dance", "My Hair Had a Party Last Night", and the above mentioned swimming pool incident my whole family laughs, sings, and dances along to his CD's. The entire family was able to attend another free concert near our home earlier this year and Babaloo sang wee wee dance as a special request from our family!

The lyrics are probably a bit obnoxious to some parents, but after teaching kindergarten/preschool for 6 years I am hear to tell you that kids laugh/talk about gas/boogers even if you don't think they do! I figure if I can't beat 'em, I should join 'em. Besides, it's a whole lot less obnoxious than Justin Bieber! And we do still listen to Go Fish and VBS CD's so often I think we will wear them out someday.

Here's a link to a video a local teacher did with her class for "The Wee Wee Dance".

Nothing says fun like a paint roller with toilet paper attached to a leaf blower. Babaloo's quote "I know what all the dads are going to be trying in the garage this afternoon!"

Friday Funnies

2011-04-01T17:25:00.002-05:00

For some reason, my boy likes to say "Let's Eat" after our mealtime prayers. Every. Single. Time. So much in fact, that some of his buddies in Sunday School now say it too. I'm sure my moms friends are eternally grateful for that one. A few nights ago, after our bedtime prayer he looks up at me and without missing a beat says, "Let's sleep!" and then promptly starts fake snoring. Love that boy....

Friday Funnies

2011-03-24T20:40:00.001-05:00

Poor puppy! Spring-like weather wore him out earlier this week. I'm sure there is a great caption for this picture, but I am too tired from a road trip with the kids to think of one!

Friday Funnies

2011-03-18T20:41:00.000-05:00

Overheard at my house recently:
Miss M, as she is working on reviewing all her scripture memory for the Awana year: "Hey Daddy, let me quiz you now. Try James 2:10.
Dad: I don't know...give me a hint.
Miss M: For whoever
Dad: I still don't know.
She then proceeded to do the same thing for a few more verses.
Finally, she said: Daddy, no wonder you are only allowed to work with Cubbies!

(The Awana portion for 3 and 4 year olds is Cubbies, which Daddy works with each week.)

Friday Funnies

2011-03-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

What can I say? He was in need of a haircut. We were bored. He was willing to do a photo shoot. Not to worry...he got a trim two days later.

Gingerbones for Hudson

2011-03-03T10:37:00.000-06:00

Cupcake Nana recently purchased this cookbook and loaned it to us for a bit. All natural, good-for-the-dog and good-for-the-human ingredients, with recipes for stews, gravies, snacks, sweet treats and even party foods. Hudson will turn one next month and Miss M is already looking for a cake recipe for him.

We've only made one recipe so far - gingerbones. They smelled delicious baking, but with no sweetener added, the kids and I decided we'd let Hudson eat them all!

And eat them he has! He'd gobble up the entire batch if allowed.

I think he still loves Miss M more than the cookies though!

Little Mermaid Sneak Peek

2011-03-02T10:12:00.001-06:00

As I mentioned in my previous post, Miss M is involved in a children' community theater production of The Little Mermaid. It's pretty neat that most of the kids had a hand in working on their own costumes. This is her first show and she is the youngest by at least 2 years. She's holding her own though and learning a lot! I think her favorite thing about last night was that she got to wear MAKE-UP! Here are a few pics from the dress rehearsal.

Miss M is Cecil, a Slithery Sir. She likes telling people she is a minion for Odessa, the Queen of the Humans. (Ursala in the Disney version.) If you are local and want tickets....let me know soon! Showtime is this Sunday at 2 PM.

Friday Funnies

2011-02-25T08:31:00.000-06:00

It's been almost a month since my last post....you'd think I was abducted by aliens or something! That would make for a more interesting explanation, but it's really been Miss M's play practice that has been cutting into my blogging time. She's doing a great job though and looking forward to the performance in about 1 week. Hopefully I can get back to regularly cleaning my house and blogging again after that!

So here's the Friday Funny for today, overheard at my house this week.
Miss M: What's for dinner?
me: brisket, green beans, roasted potatoes, and homemade bread
Miss M: Yeah! (then she runs off the bathroom to wash up for dinner. I hear her singing something about "Mama never lets us...." but I can't make out rest.)
Miss M, as she arrives at the table: What's this on my plate? MEAT?!?
me: Yes, I said we were having brisket.
Miss M: YUCK! I thought you said BISCUITS! I was singing about how you never let us eat a meal without meat or protein.

I haven't decided what her deal with meat is, but it would drive her dad nuts if she became a vegetarian.

Friday Funnies

2011-01-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

While Mr C and I were getting ready to leave for our weekly storytime at the library, he decided to shut all the bedroom and bathroom doors. Then he announced he was going to lock all the doors so Hudson wouldn't bother anything. Never mind that Hudson was already in his crate in my bedroom. Anyway, he managed to lock my door and shut it - the only doorknob in the house that hasn't been turned around so the lock is on the outside. Frustration set in...I could get the door lock to unlock but I couldn't get the door to open the entire way. I called my friend who was on the way to meet me at the library and she came to my house instead. A fresh set of eyes and a few minutes later...she had opened the door! I am so thankful that Hudson wasn't loose in my room the entire time.

Snow, Snow, & More Snow

2011-01-25T19:17:00.000-06:00

Snow day #1...somebody get these poor children a sled! They are on trash can lids.

Snow Day #2: Down the slide and into an already deep pile of snow!

This was A LOT of snow.

Snow Day #2 and #3: Miss M and I spent a long time shoveling, shoveling, and shoveling the white stuff.

Look Mama! No legs! Hudson had some trouble navigating the deep snow as well. He pretty much just jumped over it like a rabbit.

(Thank goodness for snow pants.) Whew...this shoveling stuff can really wear a guy out.

my helper...and she really did work hard.

Can we go in now? Please???

Even the Touchdown Hog just about disappeared...along with a most of my yard!

Showing me how deep the snow was. He's just too cool in the shades, don't you think?

My friends from further north think this is a just a little bit of snow, but it was an amazing amount to this girl from down South! Too bad Miss M had to miss 3 days of school over the course of two weeks though...a few more days and it will really cut into summer break.

Mr C and His Sports Party

2011-01-23T20:26:00.000-06:00

So, what do you get when you combine a bunch of 3 and 4 year old boys, FRIGID temperatures, and a mom who is too cheap to spring for an "away" party? First, your awesome husband cleans out the garage, including the melted snow and road yuck. Then you crank up the heater in your oversized garage, inflate a jump house borrowed from a friend, set out a few assorted balls and celebrate Mr. C's 4th birthday!

Mr C saw a photo of these cupcakes in a Betty Crocker calendar after his birthday last year and hung it on his bedroom door so I wouldn't forget what he wanted!

Not the most flattering shot of Miss M, but everytime I tried to take a bouncy shot, this is what she did!

more fun in the "gym" as one young partygoer called it!

You can see just a little of the "craft" - room pennants with each boy's name written in slick paint. They had sports foam stickers to put on them.

Waiting for the basketball pinata'...

major jumping action + dry winter air = MAJOR STATIC HAIR!

A homemade basketball pinata, made with help from the entire family. It lasted long enough for everyone to get in several swings.

The resident girl means BUSINESS!

CANDY!!

As usual, this party was done with a small budget. I made sure to check the clearance aisle every time I made a trip to Hobby Lobby. We scored some great deals on paper products and decorations. The only splurge was a package of plastic basketball whistles we gave out as a favors. Yeah, my mom friends were less than thrilled with that choice, but they deserve it after all the battery hungry toys they gave as gifts! Just kidding, we are all still friends...I think!

Friday Funnies

2010-12-31T09:40:00.000-06:00

Back home after a week out of town...it's great to be with family, but it's nice to come home too! I have a few Christmas things to post, but had to share this instead, seeing as how it's Friday....

On one of several bathroom stops during our 7 hour trip yesterday, Mr C and I had the following conversations in the stall in a rather crowded bathroom.

Mr C: Mama, why is your p***s different from mine?
Me, ignoring the snickers outside the stall from other patrons: Because you are a boy and I am a girl and God made us different.
Mr C: You are not a girl. You are a mom.
more snickers....I should also add that the sometimes the boy is a little difficult to understand. Not today - this convo was clear as a bell and a little loud too! It reminded me of the time a potty-training Miss M cheered and clapped for me in a mall bathroom. "Been there!" laughed a voice from stall next door.

Vintage Christmas

2010-12-20T10:39:00.002-06:00

While the celebration of the birth of a Savoir is THE reason for Christmas, there are still other elements that add to the special time of year. I just posted a comment on a friend's blog about my favorite things of Christmas. While there is much I enjoy about the season, one that tops my list would be using things handed down to me from my grandparents. These are just a few...

Hanging the ornaments given to me by my grandparents each year until I turned 18. That little blonde girl praying...dated 1982...I was with her at a craft show when it was purchased. The icicle on the right...I inherited what was left of the set after Grandaddy died and Grandmommie moved from the ranch into town.

The Swedish candle carousel that rings when the candles are lit. My children are just as delighted as I once was. I still have the original box it came in too.

Santa and Mrs. Claus decorate red tapers at my house just like they did when I was child.

I also enjoy using old and/or thrifted but new-to me items. My mom picked up this cross-stitch piece - it just needed a coat of black and matching easel to showcase it. I am pleased with how the thrifted milk glass and sprigs of red and green perk up the corner of my mantel.

My most favorite thing to use this Christmas season though? The hands down winner would be the 12 sets of Indian glass in a snowflake pattern. Each box bears Grandmommie's name, in her handwriting. My mom remembers these from her childhood and rescued them from my Grandmommie's garage sale probably almost 10 years ago. I am using them tomorrow when some special friends come to my home for coffee, snacks, and fellowship. Speaking of those friends...they will be here in 24 hours....better get to work! Thankfully, Miss M is healthy and back in school today.

Friday Funnies

2010-12-17T07:00:00.003-06:00

It's been terribly cold this week in part of the world and Hudson seems to agree. This is where I found him several times the last few days. Once he was even sprawled out over a vent. Smart pup, isn't he?

The Best Gift Ever

2010-12-15T15:38:00.000-06:00

My husband has been in sunny California all week for work. Before he left, I knew the kids were working on getting sick. By Monday afternoon it was clear - pink eye. Drops were prescribed and started and Miss M promptly showed a strong allergic reaction to the medication. Hoping she turns the corner soon.

Anyway, I should have been sleeping last night but instead finished up this little project that has been swimming in my head for over 1 1/2 years! I must admit, I copied the phrase from something I saw in the Dayspring catalog once and I used some clip art to help me get the bow just right on the package. Apparently, I can tie them but I can't paint one!

Being stuck at home this week (with snow on the ground and freezing temps) has really caused me to slow down and savor the true gift of Christmas. It's a week when I would otherwise be running from here to there like so many other people. Hoping you take some time to enjoy your most precious gift as well - the gift of grace offered by Jesus Christ. Without the pink eye of course!

Cupcake Tea Table

2010-12-14T16:36:00.000-06:00

My mom has been gently reminding me to update the blog....sickness, travel, chores, sickness....it all adds up to less time on the computer! Anyway, I thought I would start with a post about the annual ladies tea at my church. Hostesses decorate a table for 8 using their choice of themes. In years past, my themes have been patriotic, birds (in honor of my Grandmommie's hobby), fall, valentine, and twice a vintage table. This year was my most favorite table I have ever done. Cupcakes!!

I used things from around my house - like my Grandmommie's mixing bowl, one of Miss M's Christmas ornaments, thrifted mini muffin/tart pans, and cupcake cookbooks. All total, I think I spent about $20 for the entire table.

I blogged about the painted cupcake plates here. I was planning to leave the big ones unpainted, but when I set my table up Friday night, I knew they needed coordinating dots. A glue stick made the perfect sized circle and it only took about 10 minutes to do the entire set. And yes, they were dry by the tea on Saturday.

Brightly colored scraps of ribbon served as napkin rings. The punch glasses were thrifted for the vintage table last year - at 15 cents each they were a steal!

My favors were stuffed felt ornaments, complete with "sprinkles" and hand sewn by me! (cause hand work is the only sewing I can do!)

Another little favor was inside each cup - a small canister of sprinkles with the a label attached: "Taste and see the Lord is good. Psalms 34:8. The measuring spoons are heart shaped - $1 from the MOPS garage sale back in the summer.

As always, the food was both beautiful and delicious. The speaker was excellent. But by far the best part of my day was spending it with these two special friends. You know the kind...the ones who are almost like family?

mushroom/woodland theme

Snowmen are always a popular theme.

It's a little dark, but this jungle theme has some fun stuff going on.

LOVE red and white for Christmas!

Finally, Miss M models a birthday gift for a classmate. $2.99 for an apron from Hobby Lobby, plus fabric left over from a Valentine shirt for Miss M = a very inexpensive but special birthday gift, especially since it was a cooking themed party. We paired it with a cute little necklace from the mall.

Friday Funnies

2010-11-20T17:32:00.000-06:00

It's a day late this week...my parents were in town and I barely had time to check email let alone blog! Anyway, this really did happen yesterday - Friday no less! You need to know that yesterday was my dad's birthday, so the "old" jokes had been flying all day. Somehow, Mr C and my dad got on the topic of eating pet food.
My dad: Well, I have heard that old people eat cat food sometimes.
Mr C, without any prompting: Does that mean you eat cat food Popa?

Maybe I will catch up on some posts/pictures in the next few days since Mr C flew home with my parents today. It's his first "away" trip and we won't see him again until late Wednesday night when we drive in for Thanksgiving. Even Miss M misses him a little bit already.

Friday Funnies

2010-11-11T19:19:00.001-06:00

My kids are big fans of the Chipmunks, so when I realized they were on TV tonight and would be over by bedtime, I knew they would be excited. This is a conversation from our house tonight:
Me: I have one word that I think will get you out of the tub quickly.
Miss M: (without missing a beat) Spanking?
Me: No, but I like the way you think!

I was right...chipmunks made for a quick bath. Silly girl....

Trunk or Treat, Minnie Mouse, & Go Fish

2010-10-31T21:52:00.000-05:00

Our church hosted a trunk or treat for the first time this year. Even though we have known about it for several weeks, our family didn't decide on our theme until last night! We put it all together in just about an hour after church today and everything we used came from our house - no additional purchases!

The giant suckers are part of my porch decorations for Christmas. The candy and jars were collected from around the house and in the pantry.

Minnie and Jason from Go Fish, with our porch ghost and Scooby jack-o-lantern. (Minnie costume purchased at a thrift store after Halloween last year. Go Fish track suit was a hand-me-down from friends. Total spent for both costumes: $15.)

a blurry tiger...it was pretty windy and I was shivering! They even had it rigged up to ROAR!

The rockin' Wright family

The winning car, as voted on by the children. Judging from the comments and kids who said they were going to vote for us, Miss M thinks we must have been a close second.

Finally at home again...posing for one last costume shot with the addition of Hudson "Super Dog". Now excuse me while I go raid some trick-or-treat bags!

Friday Funnies

2010-10-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

My husband's grandmother, aunt, and her friend are in town for a few days this week. Lots of eating, laughing, and playing have ensued. At the dinner table tonight, Grandma Dee (turning 87 next month) told Miss M to eat her veggies or she wouldn't have big muscles.
"I already do!" she replied.
Our visitor Gywnn quipped "Where, your jaw?"
Miss M laughed after we explained the joke to her and plans to use on another big talker she knows soon. I love that my girl can enjoy a good joke!
We also looked over at Mr C at one point to find a noodle sticking out of his nose. Really not sure where he gets that from...must be his dad!

Friday Funnies

2010-10-15T07:00:00.002-05:00

Not sure why this didn't post on Friday!
Conversation at my house this week....
Me: Wow, Hudson (our 6 month old beagle pup) is really on fire today!"
Carter: Yeah Mama. He feels really hot to me too.

Candlestick Redo

2010-10-09T15:37:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Sarah at Thrifty Decor Chick, I have been introduced to Rust-oleum Metallic Spray paint in oil rubbed bronze. I have been trying it on several projects around the house, but here's my favorite one so far.

My mom picked up these 3 ceramic candleholders at a thrift store for $1 each - notice one has an original price of $9.99. They were in great condition without a single chip.

I tend to favor warmer tones in my home and these were just a little too white. So they sat and sat in the basement all summer long. Finally, inspiration hit! With two coats of rubbed oil bronze and a few apple pie candles from Walmart, they are a perfect fit in my living room. I just hope my mom doesn't want them back when she comes to visit next month!

Friday Funnies

2010-10-08T07:00:00.000-05:00

A random woman asked Mr C "What are you going to be for Halloween?"
"Jason!" he proudly exclaimed.
The look on her face let me know that she was thinking of this Jason...

and not THIS Jason - the guy on the right!

Remember a few weeks back when I showed you this picture of Mr C? Well, that is pretty much his Halloween costume. With a different shirt and the addition of a toy guitar he magically becomes a Go Fish Rockstar. Miss M is still undecided, but we are not making her costume like last year. After all the spray painting I have been doing (projects to be posted soon!) I may just incorporate my claw hand into a costume of sorts!

Friday Funnies

2010-09-24T08:37:00.005-05:00

There were several funny things that happened at my house in the last week, but nothing fit to print! Among other things, they involve undergarment mishaps and conversations about the birds and bees.

But here is something funny a friend recently shared with me when she noticed Oreos in my shopping cart. I seriously only buy them once a year, so it's a big deal at my house! When she was about 5 years old, she would lick the icing off her Oreos, put them back together, and then "share" with her 3 year old brother. Fast forward a few weeks to a visit at Grandma's house where he was offered Oreos. Upon seeing the cream, he said he didn't like those kind of cookies. His mother assured him he did. "No, I don't like the ones with the white stuff inside." My friend was wise enough to keep her mouth shut.

I seriously considered playing that same trick on Miss M after dinner last night and telling her "I don't know what happened. I guess it's just a new kind of Oreo. That's all I saw at the store."

Friday Funnies

2010-09-17T08:07:00.000-05:00

Overheard at my house as Miss M was reading to her brother. "Johnny brought dognuts for show and tell."

Doughnuts Miss M!!!! I asked her if we planted a dognut tree, would it grow one of these:

This is Hudson, our 5 month beagle puppy. He came from the Humane Society last Saturday. So far, a pretty good little dog except he poops in the house too often. At least he does it in the bathroom!

Blogging Award!

2010-09-12T15:04:00.005-05:00

My real life friend Mrs. B recently awarded me and some other ladies with the "Versatile Blog" award. She's a peach to do so and Miss M is excited as she watches our counter and country list grow. Mrs. B said she awarded this to me because "she has adorable stories about what her little ones say and some great ideas for crafting and parties." A nice way to say you never know what you may get from me I guess! Anyway, there are a few rules about accepting the award.

#1 If you had to go back and change one thing in your life,

would you and what would it be?

I would tell the pre-teen and teen Cupcake Mama to loosen up and not worry so much about what other people think. The truth is, most folks are too concerned with themselves to care much at all about you are doing. I have learned that it is OK to shake things up a bit sometimes and do the unexpected!

#2 Choose four people for this award and then inform them of the nomination.

Nikki: because she really is versatile...recipes, crafts, outings, photos, parties...a great creative inspiration for me, plus she usually includes her children.

Ali: all about being a pastor's wife, music teacher, newly homeschooling their crew of 4.

Room Mom: a great site with thrifty treats, games, and gifts for the elementary set. Especially helpful since I am once again Miss M's room parent!

Julie: I don't know this blogger in real life (she's a friend of a friend) but I like her posts and observations written to encourage mothers.

#3 Say thank you to the person who awarded you.

Thanks Mrs B. It's funny that we met in real life, but I feel like I know more about you now through your blog! Still thinking "Me??" but thank you just the same!

#4 Share seven things about yourself.

1. I have only been out of the country once, to Mexico as a child. I am getting a passport for a summer trip to Cozumel though!

2. My favorite birthday dinner cooked by mom is pinto beans, fried potatoes, and sweet cornbread.

3. I never wanted to be a teacher when I was growing up. Never say never.

4. Worried about my salvation a few years ago...thankful everyday that God and I got that all cleared up.

5. I drive a 2004 Grand Marquis. Yes, it is a grandma car and we even bought it from my grandmother! But, it's roomy, comfy, paid for, and reliable. Besides, you have to be pretty cool to be under 40 and drive a grandma car!

6. I frequently fall asleep during movies....even once at the theater with my children at 10 AM!

7. I talk to my mom at least once a day on the phone and my dad about 3-5 times a week. My children talk to at least one of them just about everyday as well.

Friday Funnies

2010-09-10T08:12:00.001-05:00

This isn't entirely a Friday Funny post - keep reading for that! There was still lots of fun on trip earlier this summer to Branson with my family. Among other things, we rented a pontoon boat and tube and spent the day on Table Rock Lake. After everyone had a turn, Miss M decided she was up for it. She told me she was really glad she tried it because it's "so much fun to go fast!" She even got back on after a pretty big spill. I worry about that girl and her love for speed sometime!

Aunt J, Cupcake Nana, and Miss M just lounging on the boat.

Mr C and Poppa "driving" the boat. We got a lot of horn honking from his little captain.

Poppa showing Miss M how easy of a ride it can be.

"Wow! Has Daddy been working out lately? I have never seen him so musclely!" commented Miss M. When he was back on the boat, we told him what she had said.

"And why is that funny?" the 6'2" 165 pound guy asked.

I realized when I was posting, that I didn't get a picture of my mom or SIL on the tube, but they took a turn too! And no comments please about how dangerous and reckless it was for me to let Mr C ride without a life vest. We actually didn't realize until later that it didn't get back on him after a lunch break. Other than that, we practiced great water safety!

Cooling off with Uncle N.

Friday Funnies

2010-09-03T13:50:00.000-05:00

This is what I found when Mr. C got up from his nap earlier this week.

His superhero cape was on the floor but he "couldn't get it on by myself".

The boy is a nut.

Slate Tic Tac Toe Board

2010-08-31T14:31:00.000-05:00

We saw this idea in a Lowe's freebie idea magazine last year and made one for my dad. He and Miss M LOVE to play tic tac toe, so this was the perfect gift for him. I bought enough supplies for a second game and just now got around to making one for our house as well.

Easy and inexpensive supplies:

slate tile (Mine was $1.97 @Lowe's)

bag of river rocks (Some Dollar Tree locations in my area carry these.)

4 felt sticky pads (Dollar Tree again, but they are cheap at other locations too.)

white paint (on hand)

polyurethane (on hand)

Draw out your tic tac toe board on the slate. I sketched my lines in white chalk first because I knew I couldn't free hand it very straight! Paint the lines with white paint and seal with a coat or two of polyurethane when dry. Miss M helped me paint the X's and O's on the rocks - 5 of each. Attach a few felt sticky pads on the bottom and you are all set. This is a great little game to have out on the coffee table or outside on the porch!

Friday Funnies

2010-08-28T11:38:00.000-05:00

OK...a day late....things happen, 'ya know?

Miss M is a slow eater. She chews and chews and chews!!! I think she tried to chew ice cream! One night she asks, rather loudly, "What's this stuff on top? Oregano?" (she might watch a little too much Food Network for her age.)

"No," I replied. "It's probably dust." To which her Dad and I both laughed and she replied back, "OK, I totally get that but it is not very funny."

You just keep telling yourself that Miss M! I am charging my camera batteries as we speak so I can share vacation pics, a cheap and easy slate tic-tac-toe board, and hopefully from an outing Miss M and I are taking back in time later today!

School's In

2010-08-16T14:04:00.000-05:00

Miss M started first grade this morning. A little taller, a few less teeth, and full of confidence! Can hardly believe it! Last year, Mr. C cried everyday for the first week. Today, he cried a tiny bit at home and was good after that. He hasn't even asked when she is coming home!

Thanks to Aunt Karla and Uncle Ronnie, for the Justice outfit. The birthday necklace from her stylish friend Sophie matches perfectly too! Almost time to leave to pick her up...usually she rides the bus but we are picking her up as a first day treat, to be followed by powered sugar mini doughnuts when we get home.

Friday Funnies

2010-08-13T14:07:00.000-05:00

I recently completed the adult summer reading program at my local library. The children completed theirs weeks ago - with some help from mom of course! At dinner last night, I announced my accomplishment of reading TEN books since the first week of June. No one was impressed. Husband wasn't - probably because he doesn't read for pleasure....ever...except once a year when he is preparing his fantasy baseball team and picks up a copy of The Fantasy Baseball Guide.

Miss M remarked, "What? You only had to read ten books? I had to read for hours and hours!"

So, what did I read?

by Francine Rivers: Her Mother's Hope, The Atonement Child

by David Lewis: Coming Home

by Beverly Lewis: The Sunroom, The Shunning, The Confession, The Reckoning, The Covenant, The Betrayal, The Sacrifice

Yes...a theme is noted. Beverly Lewis writes a lot of books set in Amish communities and I got hooked on two separate 3 book series. Now maybe I will win a prize from the drawing for all my hard work!

Coldstone Deal

2010-08-11T22:42:00.000-05:00

It's hot where I live....REALLY hot - just like a lot of places in August. I heard about a great coupon from Coldstone that will help cool you off! Two Like it size create your own (ice cream + 1 mix in) for $5. The coupon expires on 9/30. You have to download the coupon program to print anything, but it just takes a second and then you are ready to start saving!

Ice Cream Shoppe 7th Birthday

2010-08-04T23:36:00.000-05:00

Well, my girl has gone and turned SEVEN already! I can hardly believe it. Once again, she decided on a theme months ago and stuck with it! I really followed my "party rules" to the letter this time - even finding leftover poster board in the basement! One party goer said "Wow! I didn't know Miss M had her own ice cream shop!"

As is our tradition, a silly pose is always required! Some of us have had more practice at this than others!

This doesn't show off the spoons very well, but they were so cute! The handles are each shaped like an ice cream treat: a fudge bar, banana split, milk shake, and ice cream cone. I watched and waited at my grocery store for SIX weeks until I knew the store would mark them down. They finally did and I scored them for 50 cents each down from an original price of $1/spoon. Dollar Store clear plastic jar were filled with sprinkles and bear a label reading "It was so sweet of you to come to my party!" We also found lip gloss in ice cream cartons at the $ Tree! So perfect!!! Miss M also added a cupcake eraser from Aunt J.

Another Miss M, Poppa, and Miss M. Trying to scoop "ice cream" into a dish....a lot hard than it looks! The girls had lots of fun watching one another on this game. These are also the ice cream dishes we used at the party. I bought 12 at Deals a few months back....$1 each of course!

Miss M and I made the awnings, with help from our bloggy friend Nikki. She has the lowdown on how to make the freezer paper awning and some other great ice cream party ideas. We also made the crepe paper ice cream cone. Cupcake Nana painted two "shoppe" signs. The one on the front door also says "OPEN". The effect was not lost on Miss M or me!

Mr C was so serious about helping churn the vanilla ice cream. Everyone took a turn, but Daddy finished the job!

A party goer giving her sundae order to Cupcake Nana. Bananas, strawberries, sprinkles, chocolate syrup, M&M's, chocolate chips, gummy bears, marshmallows, cherries, and of course whipped cream were the offerings.
Miss M's new favorite color is turquoise. (Notice the cupcakes and signs/awnings - even her nails!) She was so pleased to find Kool-Aide that "matched"! The girls and Mr C decorated soda jerk hats while taking turns churning the ice cream.
I received an ice cream cone cupcake pan for Christmas from my SIL last year and it was just the ticket for this year's party. (Cupcake Nana scored the cake stand decorated with ice cream treats!! for $2.50 at Goodwill.) Mr C spied the ice cream shirt a few weeks before the party and that was his gift to Sissy. Unlike her Christmas gift, he didn't tell her what it was this time!
After the party, Miss M said "THIS was the best party yet! I love homemade things...especially things you and Nana make for me." She is a girl after my own heart.

Friday Funnies

2010-08-02T18:38:00.003-05:00

While reading to Miss M at bedtime, the character said, "Whew! I am pooped!"
Miss M broke out into hysterical laughing because she heard it as "Whew! I am poop!"
Realized she had never heard anyone say they were pooped!

*Yes, I know this is Monday. I was busy on Friday with birthday plans for Miss M. Pictures should be posted tonight! She said it was her best party yet.

Friday Funnies

2010-07-23T16:23:00.002-05:00

We have been on vacation with my parents, brother, and SIL all week. (Pictures of daredevil Miss M to come later and crazy driver Mr C.) Overheard in the condo one day between my dad and Mr C.

Poppa: I love you more.
Mr C: No, I love YOU more!
Poppa: No, I love YOU more!
Mr C: Yeah, I love me too.
Silly boy.

Friday Funnies

2010-07-16T08:41:00.001-05:00

My children are enamored with Go Fish music. Like wear the CD out in love. They routinely put on a show, singing with and dancing to their music. It was really no surprise that when Mr C got a hair cut from my mom last week and she spiked it up just for fun, he took one look and said "I have Go Fish hair!" (One of the guys has a mohawk.) He later found some really awesome sunglasses in the dress up box at her house that resemble ones they are wearing in a promo video for their latest CD. Yeah, he's a rocker!

Balloon Wreath

2010-07-12T19:22:00.000-05:00

Miss M will be turning SEVEN at the end of this month and has had birthday planning on the brain for months. When we saw this wreath at how does she we knew we HAD to try it. We picked up all the supplies at Hobby Lobby today and made it while little brother napped.

Supplies needed:

144 ballons - we only found the 12 inch size
2 greening pin packs-found in the artificial plant section
straw wreath -leave the plastic on so it doesn’t shed

Just take a balloon and put it in the middle of the pin, then push into the wreath. Then repeat, repeat, repeat.... It took a little time for us to discover that alternating the position of the open end of the balloon helped on spacing. We also learned that it's best to dump out and mix up the entire bag of balloons because we had a ton of pink in one bag!

I also used some ribbon I had on hand to make hanging the wreath a little easier. Total for supplies: $15. Not only can you use it for birthdays, but you could also make a little "congratulations" or "celebrate" sign out of p cardstock and stick it on with a toothpick or floral pick. For a family known to celebrate Happy Monday with a cake, a balloon wreath is a perfect fit!

Simple Lunch Turned Special

2010-07-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

We live in a large city with tons of things to do every day of the summer, but some days it is nice to just stay home. We recently had such an "at home day". It started out fine, but by lunch time the wee ones were in need of a distraction of some kind. First off, they dined on hot dogs and Cheetos, with a side of fruit and milk to drink. Hot dogs are a rare treat at our house...they usually mean that I am sick and/or really tired and that's all I could come up with!

Hot dogs are excitement enough but served in these cute retro baskets....and with little personal flags too? It was just what we all needed on a hot summer day! You don't have to use the baskets - just try a simple flag in your family's waffles, sandwich, fresh fruit...and see if they don't enjoy the special little touch.

(Thanks to my bloggy buddy Nikki for this idea!)

"Happy Monday" Cake

2010-06-28T08:22:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, Mr C wanted to make a cake. No particular reason, but just because he wanted one. Since I was too lazy to make a full batch of these time consuming cupcakes, I used half the batter for a single 9 inch round. (Thanks for the suggestion Cupcake Nana!) Not wanting to heat up the oven for Mr. C's cake, we pulled it out of the freezer to defrost.

A few hours later, the children decorated it. Miss M said it needed writing and suggested "Happy Monday". Husband thought we were nuts when we pulled it out after dinner, but cake for no good reason is pretty tasty. Maybe you should try it sometime! (I know it looks like she is licking it, but not really!!)

Big Boy Room

2010-06-27T15:14:00.000-05:00

Well, the bed is finally finished and Mr C was so very anxious to get it inside and try it out. We had a family outing Saturday morning to search for a mattress and a few other items for the new room. We lucked out and found a great closeout deal on the mattress set and linens for a steal at a Sears going out of business sale. (Side note: I really like Sears best of all the department stores in my area. Always great prices, good value for the $$, and classic styles that are not too trendy.)

Mr C wanted a sport theme but I wanted vintage inspired colors rather then the typical colors in a sport themed room. (Meaning not fire engine red, white, bright blue...) I was really excited to find just the thing at Sears. It's a Disney line and the package reads "Inspired by the 1940's Goofy's How to be a Sports Fan Cartoons" . I didn't know exactly what I was looking for until I saw it, but this was it! All total, we spent about $60 for all the linens, pillows included.

Miss M approves of the new bed too! The stickers are actually removable vinyl we scored for 50% off at Hobby Lobby. The bed you will remember, was a thrift store find that started out like this.

I was so excited to find a navy bedspread rather than a comforter. I think bedskirts are a hassle! He is extra pleased about the pennant shaped pillow.

This valance matches the pillows and was only $10; you can hardly buy the fabric at that price! The walls look a little yellow in this shot, but they are more of a light khaki.

This dresser was used by my dad, myself, my brother, Miss M. and now Mr C. More vinyl decals from Hob Lob. The ball drawer pulls are from there as well, but at $3.99 each I could only get three. I check the ad each week for a sale though so I can get more!

We still have to hang some artwork and get going on a bookcase for the room but the hard work is mostly done! I really like working together as a family on this project. It's just another thing we can look back and say "remember when". At then end of the day, that's one of the greatest things about a family.

Easy Window Clings

2010-06-25T15:07:00.001-05:00

Question: What two words strike fear in the hearts of ~~sane~~ most mothers everywhere?

Answer: GLUE and GLITTER!!

Luckily for my children, THIS mom is unafraid! Miss M found this project a few weeks ago and has been after me to let them try it. We finally did.

Supplies needed:

wax paper

white glue

glitter -LOTS of glitter!

Draw a simple design with glue - VERY thick - and then cover with glitter. Shake off the excess and allow to dry overnight. Peel and stick on windows or mirrors for a removable decoration.

We also drew some on paper, placed the wax paper over it, and then let Mr C. help trace the design with glue. We have not put these on a surface that receives a lot of direct sun, but so far they are sticking pretty well! We did have to lightly moisten the back to get most of them to stick.

Friday Funnies

2010-06-25T14:43:00.010-05:00

During VBS last week, I asked Miss M if she was having fun in her class. "Lots! We can be as rowdy as we want because there are NO MOMS in the class!" Her teachers were all late teens/mid 20's. In contrast, my 1st grade class had three moms and two teen helpers.

Mr C in my 1st grade Bible Study Bunkhouse at Saddle Ridge Ranch.

Miss M and the VBS choir in action. ( 3rd from left)

Friday Funnies

2010-06-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

Mr. C pulled a Hot Wheels jeep out of his backpack last night with a fruit loop wedged inside . He asked me to get it out but I was unsuccessful and handed it back to him. "That's OK Mama. I can do this instead."
Then he proceeded to lick it.
At the dinner table.
Since we were eating at church.
With several other people at the table with us.
Yeah, that's my B-O-Y!

Hot Weather Cooking

2010-06-16T13:01:00.001-05:00

My brain is tired and my body is weary. Why? This will be the next to last night of VBS and everyone in my house is getting tired! I am glad VBS comes but once a year and lasts only one week. With no great lead in, here is today's post.

Do you own one of these?

We received one as a wedding gift from my husband's culinary handicapped grandmother. Thirteen years ago, I thought "Why not just a regular toaster? We are just going to use it for toast and waffles." But we kept it and that is exactly what we used it for until a few years ago. I have started using it for lots of things, even roasting fresh asparagus when I didn't want to turn on the oven!

Just today, my children are having toasted ravioli for lunch. While I would NEVER turn on the big gas oven for such a small amount of food, no problem with my handy toaster oven! It is great for heating up leftovers too - you eliminate much of the sogginess caused by the microwave.

Anyway, just a thought for when you want a hot meal on a hot day - without the oven! But really, life would be simpler if my family would just eat more salads and crock pot meals...

In other news, VBS has slowed work on the bed down a bit, but it will be finished SOON!

Friday Funnies

2010-06-11T14:28:00.002-05:00

Last week, when I had a migraine, I let Miss M watch ~~some extra~~ a lot of TV while her brother was napping. It just so happened that Hoarders (on TLC) was on and she was interested in watching it. I figured that although gross, there wouldn't be anything inappropriate and it might even encourage her to part with a few treasures of her own! Fast forward a week to when she opened up her dollhouse and began to set it up for play. Calling me into her room she said,

"Mama, I think my loving family dollhouse should be on Hoarders!"

Probably so Miss M....probably so!

Yee-Haw!!

2010-06-10T14:18:00.001-05:00

This boy is ready for his first year of VBS at Saddle Ridge Ranch...starts in three days....much to do before then! I am teaching the 1st grade class and Miss M will be part of the VBS choir. She is pretty excited to have "graduated" to the elementary group this time around. It will be a great week, but a tiring one!

New Furniture for Mr C

2010-06-07T21:52:00.000-05:00

Mr C turned 3 in January and is still in the crib. He is a lightweight and doesn't ever try to climb out, so we really have not been in a rush to move him out yet. Miss M didn't make the switch until the very day she turned 3 and we had no problems with her sleeping. Even though, I have been keeping my out at local garage sales and thrift stores for a twin bed with good bones but in need of a little TLC.

I found this gem last week and it fit the bill perfectly. Clean lines, solid wood, sturdy construction....and only $40. Once we got it home and started working on it, I discovered a garage sale sticker- it was marked $5 folks! I still got a good deal but sure wish I had found it at the garage sale! I forgot to take pictures before we started stripping the paint, so here's one of the work in progress.

It had two coats of white and then a reddish stain underneath. The husband thought I was crazy when he first saw it.

This was before we worked on the real stubborn areas. It has now been sanded and one side has stain on it. The husband was pretty sure we were wasting our time trying to get it down to the wood but I have watched my mom refinish enough pieces that I knew it could be done. He said tonight he thought it looked really nice and that we had done a great job.

Of course, I will post pics once the project is complete. We also have a an old bookcase from my parents that has been sanded and will probably be stained to match the bed, along with another bit of updating as well. Mr C. is suddenly in a big hurry for his big boy bed. So much in fact, he tried to get in the car over the weekend to "go buy the soft part" (the mattress set)!

Friday Funnies

2010-06-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

If you have not seen this video "Swagger Wagon" featuring the Toyota Sienna family you must check it out today! I laugh every time I see it!

Strawberries and Pie!!!

2010-06-03T21:32:00.003-05:00

It took a few weeks, but this...

has finally turned into this!

The ones we haven't simply eaten out of hand were made into a strawberry pie. Three so far!!The recipe is so easy and made even easier by using a frozen pie crust. I prefer the ones you have to defrost and then unroll - Pillsbury to be specific. Here is the recipe! Happy Eating!!

1 C sugar

1 C water

2 1/2 Tbs cornstarch

1 large box strawberry jello

4 C quartered fresh strawberries

Heat sugar, water and cornstarch over medium heat, stirring often. Heat until it begins to thickens and turns clear. Add jello, stir well until combined. Pour over berries and chill until set.

*PS I would post a picture of the finished product but they don't last long enough for photos at my house!

Gift for the High School Grad -under $20!!

2010-06-02T18:00:00.000-05:00

I should have posted this earlier, but if you like the idea you can file it away for next May when those graduation announcements start rolling in. This little gift was given to a friend from church who is heading to the University of Florida. While wandering the aisles at Target recently, I was drawn to a display of towels in lots of fun and bright colors and ON SALE!!! After conferring with the husband that these were indeed VERY close to her school colors, we purchased two bath towels and two washcloths...a practical gift for a girl moving so far from home!

Fresh Take on a Flower Girl Basket

2010-06-02T15:52:00.001-05:00

First off, I failed to notice that I am a just a wee bit past post #100! I had it set to automatically post and didn't notice until today. Also, I have noticed that this little blog gets an average of 12 hits a day, and more on some days. So, leave a comment and let me know who you are! Miss M and I might just decide to send a lucky commenter a little something as well.

We are in the first days of June - the traditional bridal month. Actually, this year I don't have any weddings to attend. Probably because I am getting too old and everyone I know is either married or too young to do so! Anyway, my brother got married almost three years ago and Miss M was the flower girl. My mom and I made this cute little alternative to a flower girl basket.

I don't have step by step directions or even a series of photos. It was simply trial and error. We started with a piece of foam, rolling, re-rolling, and trimming until we had the desired cone shape. Next step, trim your fabric to the same shape and size. You will need to leave a little overhang at the top so you can fold it down inside. Use spray adhesive to attach the foam and fabric and hot glue the end of the cone to itself. We then trimmed the entire thing out with ribbon, lace, seed pearls, and sequins. A tassel was fed down through the cone and secured in place with....hot glue of course

The handle was fashioned from a strand of pearl beads. We knotted both ends and used safety pins to attach them on the inside of the cone, a little past the half way mark. I glued a single silk petal over each pin to further hide the construction. To make it easier for little hands to pick up the petals, we stuffed left over fabric and foam into the bottom half of the cone. Like I said, trial and error! Try as we might, we couldn't get the two we made to be the exact same size.

Updated Cupcake Chalkboard

2010-06-02T15:19:00.000-05:00

I found this little thing back in December at a thrift store for a mere $1.50. I painted two coats of chalkboard paint and gave the frame a coat of black. Then it sat in the garage for ~~weeks~~ months. I knew I wanted it in the kitchen, but wasn't sure how to finish up.

Enter some cute iron on cupcakes I found at Wal-Mart and the project quickly took shape. A little hot glue, a clothespin painted black, and a scrap of ribbon = total cute! Mr C told me "Put a picture on facebook Mama!" as soon as I hung it up. I think he meant the blog, but I like the way he thinks! I'm still thinking on how to do an eraser...thinking maybe wrapping some batting in a little square of fabric and attaching it with ribbon.

My latest project is one that I hope won't take as long - because it's a new bed for Mr C's room! I picked up a headboard/footboard today at a thrift store for $40. It is wood, currently painted white. While in good condition, Miss M and I have been toying with some ways to update it and make it perfect for the boy. Check back later for before pics because we couldn't bring it home today - it wouldn't fit in our car!

Friday Funnies

2010-05-28T22:21:00.003-05:00

Just in case you have been wondering....I STILL am around, just haven't had time for blogging lately. A friend said on facebook that "May is just as busy as December". Do you feel that way as well? I sure do! Anyway, here's a little video that made my family laugh out loud every time we watched it! It's titled "Montana Pole Dancer" but don't worry - it's totally G rated!

Friday Funnies

2010-05-14T13:06:00.001-05:00

Miss M's school has Track & Field Day today but they call it Olympic Day. When I was teaching kindergarten one little boy was a little disappointed at our track and field day on year. He kept looking for the dragon because he thought we were calling it "DRAGON Field Day". Little ears and minds are funny!

Favorite Books

2010-05-14T12:19:00.006-05:00

So...I'm back FINALLY!! I have been sick for about three weeks and am finally getting over it! Lots of things have taken a backseat in those weeks, including blogging. I was operating in survival mode people! To get back in the blogging mode, I am linking up to Show Me Your Life at Kelly's Korner. This week it's all about books.

Let me first say that I am a former elementary teacher, with all of my experience no higher than first grade. My heart swelled with pride at the mall playground with Miss M when she was about 2 1/2....she left the playground to visit the bookstore located next door! She will complete kindergarten in a few weeks and both reading and writing ability and confidence have swelled. Here is a sampling of what you might find on a nightstand in our house:

Miss M:

Nancy Drew Clue Crew Series - Nancy and the gang are in 3rd grade and solve mysteries in their school and neighborhood

Junie B Jones Series - I know some parents don't like these books but they provide great teaching points and Junie B always does pay for her misdeeds in the end. Think Ramona Quimby books in a more modern setting. We have several on CD and they are great for car trips - the entire family laughs outloud!

Meghan Rose Series - A lot like Junie B only tamer and with a Christian influence...Meghan's mom prays with her about situations.

Skippyjon Jones - a Siamese cat with an imagination on high speed who pretends to be a sword-fighting Chiwawa due to his overly large ears. Miss M still enjoys a great picture book every once in awhile and this fits the bill!

Mr C:Still too young for a "series" but he really enjoys books by David Shannon of the "No David" books. Funny illustrations and we always enjoy looking for drawings of his real life dog Fergus hidden in several books. When he is a older, I plan to introduce him to Hank the Cow Dog. Hank lives on a ranch in Texas and gets pretty big for his britches some days! All of the conversations in the series are between the dogs and other animals. They are laugh out loud funny too.

Cupcake Mama:

Not a lot of time for reading but I just finished up Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free...read it...lots of great stuff in there! Also, I enjoy most anything by Karen Kingsbury. Her books are are usually a quick read of Christian fiction.

Although I really enjoyed several of the books already mentioned (Little House series, Little Women, Nancy Drew) I want to mention a few others as well. As a child, the last book my mom read aloud to me was Rabbit Hill, pictured above. It was summer break and she would read a chapter at night or in the morning. I also remember reading the Ramona series by Beverly Cleary - well, pretty much anything by her was read by me! I have heard there is a movie in the works - maybe some new Ramona readers will be introduced to the gang.

Finally, I LOVED the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart-Lovelace. We meet these two buddies in the first book when they are only 5 years old and the series continues until Betsy's Wedding. Written and set in the 1940's, I always enjoyed a visit on Hill Street with my Betsy and friends.

Friday Funnies

2010-04-30T14:05:00.001-05:00

A recent conversation at my house - the words with dashes were spelled orally by the speaker.

Miss M: Can we play R-o-c-k B-a-n-d after lunch?
Me: No, because your brother needs to take a -N-a-p first. Maybe afterwards, though.
Mr C: How about B-i-b-l-e?

We cracked up...it's the only word he knows how to spell - but it's a good one to know!

Friday Funnies

2010-04-23T14:23:00.004-05:00

In looking at the last few Friday posts, I am beginning to think I should change this series to something like "Photos to Show the Future Dates of Miss M and Mr C"! Anyway, this week is no different. I am not sure exactly what was going on, but Miss M convinced her daddy and brother to participate in a "Rock Star" photo shoot. Happy Friday! I have been sick ALL week with a major ear infection (yes, adults can get them too!) but am heading to at least part of my church's annual women's retreat tonight and tomorrow.

Teacher Gifts

2010-04-18T09:50:00.004-05:00

If you are via Kelly's Corner, welcome! When I saw this blog hop topic coming up, I KNEW I wanted to be sure and participate. I taught elementary school for 6 years before the birth of my first child. Now that Miss M is in kindergarten, it has been strange to be on the other side of the desk! Keep reading to learn more about the water bottle gift.

First off, the two major don'ts for teacher gifts: nothing that says #1 teacher or with an apple motif and no more coffee mugs....we have plenty and some teachers don't even like coffee! Some of my favorite gifts or ones fellow teachers have received:

One family asked my partner teacher a few of my favorite places to eat and they used her suggestions to get a gift card from one.
Target giftcard
gift certificate for a car wash/detail
handwritten note from one of my more difficult students

As the home room mother for Miss M's class, I am putting together a little thank you gift for her teacher from the entire class. The best parts: it's one of a kind, personal, AND only costs about $2!! Have you heard of Wordle? I posted about it here when I made some Christmas gifts. Basically, you type in words or phrases until a free program and Wordle creates a word cloud using the text. You can play around with the fonts, colors, and arrangements until you find one you like. Then print it out on glossy paper or card stock, trim to an 8 x 10, and frame. That's IT...couldn't be easier, could it? Two hints: to make any word larger (like the name) just type it several times. Also, use this ~ to connect text into a complete phrase. There is also a great FAQ page that answers most basic questions. It's hard to describe but makes a really special gift, so be sure to check it out!

I will send a letter home next week with each student, explaining what I am making. They will have 1 week to return the note with a phrase or words that either describe their teacher or something they liked about being in her class. Simpler and shorter phrases work best. I usually get unfinished wooden frames at the dollar store, paint it black and you are done! Hobby Lobby also has some cute wooden cutouts if you wanted to add a few on the frame. I don't know yet if I will do that or not - have to see how it turns out!

Now, back to to the water bottle. This easy gift is for other teachers and instructors in the building...art, computer, music and the like. I saw the original idea here. Hers is much cuter but I managed to make a sample using materials I had on hand. I don't remember the exact price per bottle, but I will guess it was maybe 50 cents. I found both the water and mixes on sale. No exact directions to post - I think you can see from the picture how to construct it. I am sure some of you card making people would really make a cute one! Let me know...I would love to see them!

Friday Funnies

2010-04-16T20:00:00.000-05:00

I have laryngitis and this crazy guy...

keeps whispering back to me! He also felt my forehead and told me "Mama, you are berry, berry sick." Miss M made me a get well card from "your toe (two) kids".... I L-O-V-E being their mom!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2010-04-12T20:32:00.007-05:00

We are looking forward to the day when this....

produces this once again...

Warm temps and lots of sunshine has everything bursting out around my yard. We started some sunflowers and tomatoes a few weeks ago...they should be ready to move outside soon. Our strawberry plants had a single bloom 5 days ago....we checked today and they are covered with white blooms. Our crop last year was pretty good and we are looking forward to more this year! This will be the 3rd year for our blueberry bushes and I read that they don't start producing until then. How exciting to discover little white flowers on one of the bushes today. It will be fun to see how that plant develops.

Forgotten carrots from last season...

What's a day in the garden without some worms? Miss M used to actually KISS them when she was his age. She still likes worms, but no longer LOVES them!

So what's growing in YOUR garden so far?

Friday Funnies

2010-04-09T07:00:00.003-05:00

Up until two days ago, Miss M had a tooth so loose it could wave in the wind when she smiled. It was a top front tooth...so very attractive. Anyway, she has been loosening it for several weeks and Mr C has been very interested. Last night I discovered him yanking on his own front teeth for all he was worth.

Me: What are you doing?
C: Trying to get my tooth out.
Me: You are not old enough...they are not ready yet.

C: Oh, OK. Maybe when I be 5, OK?

Me: Yeah, let's wait until then.

Also, at bedtime the other night, he discovered a few whiskers on his daddy's chin. He came right to me and asked "Do girls have hair on chins Mama?"

"Not this one!" I replied!
Check back later this weekend for a picture of the toothless Miss M! It promises to be a cute one!

Resurrection Sunday Events

2010-04-06T13:09:00.009-05:00

Spring has finally arrived in my part of the world - and it was just in time for a glorious Resurrection Sunday! Miss M was out of school on Good Friday, so we visited the Easter village at a local attraction in our area. The camera batteries ran down after just one photo, but we saw 2 week old piglets, 6 week old rabbits, chicks, lambs, puppies, goslings....the list goes on and on! It was a beautiful, sunny day with two of my favorite people.The in-laws arrived Friday evening and Saturday morning brought the Easter Treasure Hunt at church, followed by a birthday party that afternoon for Miss M's friend from church. It was a full day! Luckily, the hunt was designed as a scavenger hunt, using clues from the Easter story - meaning the egg count was controlled to only twelve per child. Thanks Ms Becky!!

Miss M helped to set the table and made the placecards out of cardstock and cupcake toppers that matched our napkins. It was her idea to write "Jesus Loves You" on the inside of each card. Mr C asked "Mama, where did the new dishes come from?" Meaning, he had never been allowed to eat off the china before! Miss M was pleased because I deemed her old enough to use a crystal goblet this year.

After church Sunday morning, it was back home for a yummy lunch. I worked to prep things on Saturday and was pleased that lunch was on the table a mere 45 minutes after we arrived home! Do you see the old Easter basket-turned bread basket? Cupcake Nana, my mom, always did that when I a child and I thought she was so clever! The menu included:

Baked Ham
Twice Baked Potatoes
Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Sister Schubert Rolls
Macaroni & Cheese
Green Beans
Angel Food Cake & Strawberries
Fudge Pie

The company left soon after lunch and after quickly cleaning up the dishes, Miss M and I settled in to watch Mary Poppins on ABC Family while the boys napped. After a family walk to the park and fly a kite (let's go fly a kite, up to highest height....) it was back home to get ready for Monday! (Notice my grandmommie's vintage jewelry re-do I posted about here!)

Friday Funnies

2010-04-02T08:20:00.004-05:00

There must a reunion episode of Family Matters in the works because I think Steve Urkel tryouts were recently held at my house...

Original Cupcake Artwork by Miss M

2010-03-29T20:59:00.005-05:00

Remember way back in SEPTEMBER when I talked about pulling off the kitchen wallpaper and painting? Well, the painting has been done for some time now but I kept putting off hanging anything up on the wall because I just wasn't sure what I wanted.

Thanks to a birthday gift from my SIL, I was inspired to go with some black accents, with a few cupcakes for color. I commissioned an original piece of art from Miss M. My mom, Cupcake Nana, helped a wee bit but Miss M did a lot of the work herself!

Indulge me for one more second...Miss M learned today that a sample of her original writing will be published in the district literary magazine.

More kitchen update pictures coming soon!

Giraffe & Ostrich Gone WILD!!

2010-03-29T08:56:00.009-05:00

Miss M had a 1/2 day on Friday and Daddy was off early, so the family headed to the zoo in our city. A favorite stop is always the giraffes. We were excited to see how much the baby had grown since our last visit in November. There are also two ostriches who live with the giraffe family - usually they just ignore one another.

Imagine our surprise when we came upon one ostrich and the baby kicking, pecking, and chasing one another. Finally, the baby went to the area with the adults and came back out front with its mom. Then he strutted around the ostrich as if to say "nana-nana boo boo"!

This first video shows most of the action, with a big kick from the giraffe at the end. The second clip shows a little action but mostly highlights the aggressive side of of Mr C as he continually roots for the giraffe, shouting things like "Get him giraffe! Kick him!" I tell you, it sounded like we have taken him to boxing matches or something....

The otters were also going at it - tugging and dunking one another in their pool. I wasn't too surprised by that since I have read that otters are very playful by nature. I have emailed the zoo to ask them about all the crazy giraffe/ostrich match up and will post if/when I get an answer!
*I heard back from the zoo. The ostrich is new to the zoo and trying to find his place. He also was probably feeling protective and/or showing off for the other ostrich - a female. Makes sense, doesn't it?

Spring Cleaning - The Natural Way

2010-03-28T14:38:00.004-05:00

One good thing about the dark and cloudy winter we have had in my part of the world: You can't see just how dusty/dingy my house is! But the sunlight is not so forgiving and I have been working to get my house back under control. Last week, I spent some time tagging and sorting clothes for a consignment sale. There are lots of different ones out there and I have shopped at several in my area but my favorite is Just Between Friends. My check, after fees and such, should be around $130.

Now on to actually cleaning....Do you ever suffer from a headache or sneezing after cleaning your bathroom? A few weeks ago, a speaker at MOPS spoke on the topic of making our homes and lives less toxic. She gave some great tips on how to make some changes for your family that will make you healthier while helping the environment be cleaner and safer too. That in turn makes YOU healthier once again, so it's a win-win situation.

I have been using homemade and eco-friendly commercial cleaners for my floors, bathrooms, glass/mirrors, and woodwork for over a year now.

The easiest recipe to start with? Glass Cleaner! Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a squirt bottle. The first batch or so, you will want to add 1-3 drops of liquid soap and shake. This will help cut the residue left behind by commercial cleaners. If you don't like the vinegar smell, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender is really popular). I skip this step since vinegar is a natural deodorizer. It will quickly evaporate, taking the scent with it. A recent MOPS speaker inspired me to experiment with making and using my own laundry detergent and I have been pleasantly surprised! I discovered an excellent tutorial at Big Doll's Boomtown - she made it sound so easy. Guess what....it was! Not only that, it was surprisingly inexpensive.
A few simple ingredients are all it takes. I found all of them at my local grocery store. You only use 1 -2 tablespoons per load, so I think this should last me a good while. To make another batch, you would have to buy more of the laundry soap but there is more than enough of the other ingredients left.

2 C. grated laundry soap (Zote, Fels Naptha, or Kirk's Castile)
1 C. borax
1 C. washing soda
1/2 C. baking soda

Here is a run-down of my cost: Fels Naptha laundry soap bar: $2.29; Arm &Hammer Washing Soda: $2.79; 20 Mule Team Borax: on sale for $2.99; Baking Soda (store brand): $0.56 = $8.63. I made a double batch and plan to see just how long it lasts.

After trying vinegar for lots of household cleaning with fabulous results, I decided to give in and test it as fabric softener. Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in your softener dispenser and be prepared to be amazed. Admittedly, my towels are not as soft and fluffy as with a commercial fabric softener. But, they are much softer than going without - which I had been doing for over a year since reading how much it can pollute our water supply. As a side note, I have a partially used industrial size jug of Snuggle softener gathering dust in my basement if anyone wants it!

I haven't tried this recipe for homemade dishwasher soap yet but is sure sounds interesting! Let me know if you try it! http://diynatural.com/simple-effective-jabs-homemade-dishwasher-detergent-rinse-agent/

Friday Funnies

2010-03-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Mr C really likes the Geico talking pothole commercial. It was not really a surprise a few weeks ago when called our pot roast dinner "pothole roast". As an aside, a few of my "friends" have told me that I sound like said talking pothole.

Cake Pops

2010-03-25T20:36:00.005-05:00

Have you ever sampled a cake pop? They are basically smashed up balls of cake with icing mixed in and then coated with either chocolate or melting candy. I had been reading on-line about them for some time, so I decided to try my hand at it for some of Miss M's teachers back on Valentine's Day. Here is the recipe I used:
* 1 box cake mix of your choice. 95% of the posts I saw used Devil’s Food - next time I think I will do yellow.

* 1 container of ready-made icing. Any flavor will do, but most recipes recommended cream cheese. That's what I used, but over all it was too rich for my tastes. I am thinking I will try just plain white icing next time.

* Candy Melts or Chocolate Bark (I used bark)

* Waxed paper, sprinkles, & candy/sucker sticks

Bake the cake in a 9x13 pan according to the box directions and let cool completely. (I let it cool overnight.) Then crumble it into a large bowl. Mix in about 1/2 a tub of icing until it is completely blended. You may need to add a bit more icing but it's better to start with a little and then add more later.

(I was in a hurry so I my pictures are crummy and I didn't take the time to snap many in the process of making the pops. But it's really simple, so I think you can figure it out anyway!)

Roll the batter into balls and place on waxed paper in the freezer for a few hours. You want them firm but not frozen solid. Just before you take them out of the freezer, melt your candy wafers or chocolate bark according to the package directions. Working one at a time, stick a sucker stick in the cake ball and then carefully dip it. I had to use a spoon to get good coverage. Here is a great trick that I learned but didn't apply until about 1/2 way through the project - tap the stick on the side of the bowl a few times after it's covered. This forces the extra chocolate/candy down and off so you have a nice smooth surface. You will see in my horrible pictures some using both techniques!

I had some Styrofoam in the basement and used that to hold my pops while the coating hardened. I also put a few sprinkles on each one. Once they were completely hardened. I packaged them two to a clear cello bag and finished off with ribbon and a tag made by Miss M.

You can certainly omit the sticks and just have cake balls if you wanted. If you want to see some really intricate cake pops, then be sure to visit Bakerella's site...beautiful - but she uses the same basic recipe!

Resurrection Rolls

2010-03-22T17:27:00.004-05:00

My friend Michelle saw the previous post about resurrection cookies and shared resurrection rolls with me. Basically, you take a marshmallow, roll it in melted butter followed by cinnamon and sugar. Place the marshmallow in a crescent roll and bake. The marshmallow melts, making the roll "empty" like the tomb. Here is the recipe along with scripture references as well. I plan to give this a try with M and C.

St Patrick's Day Rainbow Cupcakes

2010-03-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

As a subscriber to Family Fun magazine, I see lots of fun recipes and projects in each monthly issue. March didn't disappoint with this recipe for rainbow cupcakes. I had some icing in the fridge that was already tinted blue, so we used that instead of white. I have no idea why they turned out to be in concentric circles but tie-dyed on the outside. A friend made them and hers are perfect on the outside and all crazy on the inside. One tip before you try this for yourself: it takes a LONG time to spoon in each layer of color. I would suggest either only using 1/2 of your batter for cupcakes and the other half for a small cake - as suggested to me by Cupcake Nana. You could also buy a Jiffy brand cupcake mix as it makes only a dozen cupcakes.