Friday

dinner: 

hamburger with sauteed mushrooms, onions and lots of avocados (oh so good!)

dessert ~ Peace Crisp

(I added blueberries to this dish.  Served with a gallop of vanilla ice cream just made a tasty treat even better)

Saturday

breakfast:  WOW French Toast...yep wow is the perfect adjective here, they were that good.  I mean $8.99 good!

Brioche bread cut in 1" slices

cream mixture of 4-5 eggs, heavy cream, orange extract, pinch of salt, touch of vanilla extract

butter the skillet while the slices of bread soak up all the liquid goodness

place on stove skillet, sear it

and serve it with fresh blueberries and some bacon

YUM!!

several outings and gatherings today so no planned dinner

Sunday

dinner:  Grilled Chicken and Lemon Basil Pasta

dessert:  Creme Brulee

Monday

dinner:  fish tacos (my recipe)

Tuesday

dinner:  "The Only Pizza You'll Ever Want" and Caesar Salad

Wednesday

dinner:  Tandoori Chicken, Jasmine Rice, and Sweet Lassi...(love this one)

I have several recipes for Tandoori Chicken.  Haven't tried the one linked here yet but, I'm not sure I'll use it on Wednesday or not.

Thursday

There is a concert w/ a bake sale tonight...we will treat ourselves to eating out. 

for the bake sale:  Peanut Butter Cups Layered Rice Krispy Treats

Friday

?

Week in snacks:

Homemade Pop-Tarts!

New recipe

Made B4

A Change in Plans...

Today

I was supposed to drive with the family 3 hours round trip to pick up Max from camp...

I am supposed to take the girls to a friend's double birthday party full of fairies and fair maidens...

I am supposed to show up to a surprise BBQ for The Man hosted by his favorite cousins...

Today

I am keeping company with my Princess.  A high fever, that wants to linger around 102, is dictating my plans for today instead.  So while she naps and I...

finally begin to use some of my fabrics

to make myself a new dress

and finish reading a book written by my

Goddaughter

while I enjoy last nights leftover dessert...

Cookies for a Good-Bye

A very sweet family waltzed into our lives two years ago. 

She came in like the wind, soft with the occasional gust of strength.  I don't know what she thought of us as a whole.  We were loud but simple home schoolers trying to reach our children's souls while we taught numbers and letters.  But, we thought she and her brew of blonde babies were adorable.

Sweet natured she is and though she may cringe, I personally love her honesty. 

 Oh God bless her honesty! 

Now we say good-bye.  Actually it's more like a "cya later".  She has promised to come back, though the size of her new kitchen may make her think twice.  But both her and hubby will follow God's will.  So if the doors are open to stay, return, or try something new I have made a promise to stay close.  She is a friend, not just in facebook either, but a true friend.

Anyhow I made some good-bye cookies for the farewell....

The recipe All-Occasion-Sugar-Cookies from Brown Eyed Baker is a FAVORITE.  These cookies are so-so-so good.  The shapes came from these cookie cutters,  USA / UNITED STATES Map Cookie Cutter 4 inch Metal and R & M Patriotic USA 8 Piece Cookie Cutter Set for the flag.

the b4

and then...

Until 2011...

Our prayers go with you across the states

Missing In Action

My Max is gone.  Gone for SEVEN days...that's one whole week!

He is here at St. Michael's Abbey, probably having the best time EVER, with boys of his own age.  Swimming, hiking, playing lots of sports, and not thinking of his momma at all.

Honestly, I hope he isn't thinking of us too much.  I hope he IS having a really good time and making friends.  He was excited about returning to boys camp "where all the boys have fun".  He wasn't all that concerned that this time, he wouldn't know anyone there.  Our friends will be sending their boys later in the summer.  Our schedules just didn't allow for us to have the boys all together, like last year.  Max does have his older cousin there, but because G is 13 and Max 8 they're going to be separated into their age groups.  So, basically my boy is on his own. 

The thought is a bit unnerving.  Max is a quite, keeps to himself, shy, kinda guy.  He confidently told me "not to worry".  "I'll make new friends momma", was what he said.  I know he will.  But, I am still praying everyday for him and so are a few others.  Because we know Max...and we know that he is a special kind of kid.

 Loves big and feels big.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for him!

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.

Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

May God rebuke him, we humbly pray;

and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -

by the Divine Power of God -

cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits,

who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.

Amen.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The Brown Scapular

July 16th

Ninth Day

O Most Holy Mother of Mount Carmel, when asked by a saint to grant privileges to the family of Carmel, you gave assurance of your Motherly love and help to those faithful to you and to your Son.

Behold us, your children.

We glory in wearing your holy habit, which makes us members of your family of Carmel, through which we shall have your powerful protection in life, at death and even after death.

Look down with love, O Gate of Heaven, on all those now in their last agony!

Look down graciously, O Virgin, Flower of Carmel, on all those in need of help!

Look down mercifully, O Mother of our Savior, on all those who do not know that they are numbered among your children.

Look down tenderly, O Queen of All Saints, on the poor souls!

We began our morning with what was supposed to be chocolate chip carmel chip pancakes with mounts of whipped cream.  Well, we had the pancakes and "chips" but the whipped cream was...ahem...not edible.

Still good though.

Later, grandma, Nina (my SIL), and the cousins came over for our final prayer and to enjoy...

this scapular cake!

The day in pictures:

SIL looking and laughing at a photo of hubby

The girls

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Visit Catholic Cuisine for more recipes, insightful post, and inspiration for celebrating Our Lady.

Pondering ~

There has been a common theme of late in the blog world of women.  Admittedly I have had my share of "too much" computer time at the expense of my real priorities.  It took a tragedy to pull my focus away to where it was needed.  Still considered a novice to blogging, I am aware of the negatives to sharing too much and exposing my life to the perceptions and critics of the faceless "friend". 

That said, I spend more time talking to myself here.  This is my space and as long as I am aware of the time pressing keys and staring at a screen I feel comfortable with it.  I do not claim to live a life of fairy tales.  My life has had too many moments of sorrow and great JOY to know this life I lead is imperfect at times.  But it's such a grand life I've been blessed with!  So I share where I can, more for my hubby to read than anything else.  He gets a kick of this blog thing (he is not computer savvy at all....my guy is a straight hands-on labor-kind of guy...God love HIM!)

The words of Jeanne, Susan, Kim, and several from Elizabeth are a valuable read for the blogger or not.  Change is in the air...I feel like hibernating a bit.  Not from this blog but, from other elements that take my attention.  

Enjoy the reads...

What's cookin'

Finally, I started menu planning again.  I've been so distracted with "stuff" that we have eaten out way too much lately and relied more often on premade processed meals.  Don't get me wrong...Stouffer's lasagnas have come through many of times for us.  But, nothing beats homemade, home cooked meals.

Monday:  Chicken Tacos (my recipe and a favorite of The Man's) and for dessert

Tuesday:  Baked Mac 'n' Cheese and salad
update:  I 4got to add the extra cheese on top.  I don't know what I was thinking at the time but, the mac n cheese needed the extra gooiness of cheese.  Otherwise, I really liked this dish.  Next time I plan to add some roasted mushrooms with it.  The kids liked it too but, for some reason they weren't "over the top" for it...hhhmmm?

Wednesday:  Walnut & Spinach Crusted Chicken with Jasmine Rice
update:  Lucy made this dish for us.  She REALLY liked the flavors.  I thought the walnuts overpowered the spinach a bit but, the combo was nice.  For me it needed a bit more uuummppphhh.  Everyone else liked it though.  It was so easy to make and quick.  Keeper... 

Thursday:  Orange Honey Tilapia-slow cooker

Friday:
for the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel ~
breakfast ~ Mount Carmel Steamers and chocolate chip carmel chip pancakes
afternoon treat ~ a scapular cake to share with grandma, nina, & cousins as we complete the novena
dinner ~  Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables, garlic bread & salad

Saturday:  Farewell Pool Party Potluck
I'm taking a batch of decorated sugar cookies.

I use 3 different recipes for sugar cookies but, this Saturday I'll be using Amanda's Amazing Sugar cookies.  Believe me, these are so so so GOOD!

My friend and her family will be living in Alabama for one year (she promised...just one year).  So for fun, I'm decorating an Alabama flag using this Flag Metal Cookie Cutter and this USA / UNITED STATES Map Cookie Cutter 4 inch Metal.  I've already baked the cookies and tomorrow I'll be decorating.  Should be cute.

New recipe
Made B4

Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel ~ Day 7

Seventh Day

O Mary, Help of Christians, you assured us that wearing your Scapular worthily would keep us safe from harm. Protect us in both body and soul with your continual aid. may all that we do be pleasing to your Son and to you.

(pause and mention petitions)

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!

Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel ~ day 5 & 6

Fifth Day

O Mother of Fair Love, through your goodness, as your children, we are called to live in the spirit of Carmel. Help us to live in charity with one another, prayerful as Elijah of old, and mindful of our call to minister to God's people.

(pause and mention petitions)

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Sixth Day

With loving provident care, O Mother Most Amiable, you covered us with your Scapular as a shield of defense against the Evil One.

Through your assistance, may we bravely struggle against the powers of evil, always open to your Son Jesus Christ.

(pause and mention petitions)

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

It's all about the pumpkins...

Max has this thing about agriculture and growing seeds from any source he consumes or finds.  We have had our share of mystery shoots around here.  Our latest "what is it" began to grow in Mary's Garden.  How it got there is any body's guess.  At first it looked really cool, these pretty green leaves surrounding her but, the plant was quickly growing too large for the area.  Max decided to move it and took "bets" as to what kind of vegetable or fruit it was. 

Anyhow, there were guesses to what it was for several weeks.  Once the plant began to "vine" out and Max found something growing, the kids just got really excited.  Care to take a peek...

At this point it's pretty obvious that we are going a large variety of a

Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita mixta

in layman's terms, a PUMPKIN

She is a beaut eh, no doubt about it. 

Here though lies my "pumpkin dilemma".  Max had already salvaged the seeds from a sweet pumpkin we had last fall.  He planted, watered, and took care of his little seeds until a good portion of them sprouted.  Well guess what we had growing in our vegetable garden? 

Any guesses?

Yep, a rather large amount, perhaps a good 30 sweet pumpkin plants seedlings.  I like pumpkins sure, but, not enough to cover our backyard with these large plants.  So, Max had to decide what to do.  Does he just choose a few of the plants to grow to maturity.  Does he toss the rest his "experiment" into the trash?  Does he give them away?  What does he do?

My little guy did the obvious thing.

He put them on Craig's List

Lucy helped with the sign and made a poster for email notification of the sale.  He hasn't done too bad of a job either.  Due to inflation prices did go up a bit from .50 to a $1.00 a plant.  But, hey water isn't cheap around here.

Here is what is left for him to sell....

Any takers?

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Novena ~ Day Four

Fourth Day

When you gave us, Gracious Lady, the Scapular as our Habit, you called us to be not only servants, but also your own children.  We ask you to gain for us from your Son the grace to live as you children in joy, peace and love.

 (pause and mention petitions)

Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for

Our Lady of Mount Carmel ~ third day

Day three

O Queen of Heaven, you gave us the Scapular as an outward sign by which we

might be known as your faithful children. may we always wear it with honor

by avoiding sin and imitating your virtues. Help us to be faithful to this

desire of ours.

(pause and mention petitions)

Recite: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us

Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel ~ day one

(Garment of Grace)

a good read on the history and promises from Our Lady

thank you Lacy!

“The sign of the Scapular nourishes the devotion of believers and makes them sensitive to the Virgin Mother's loving presence in their lives. The Scapular is essentially a 'habit'. Those who receive it are associated with the Order of Carmel and dedicate themselves to the service of Our Lady for the good of the whole Church.

“Therefore two truths are evoked by the sign of the Scapular:


- the constant protection of the Blessed Virgin, not only on life's journey but also at the moment of passing into the fullness of eternal glory
- the awareness that devotion to Mary cannot be limited to prayers and tributes in her honor on certain occasions, but must become a 'habit', that is, a permanent orientation of one's own Christian conduct, woven of prayer and interior life, through frequent reception of the sacraments and the concrete practice of the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.”

(from the message of John Paul II
to the Carmelite Family
on the 750th anniversary
of the bestowal of the Scapular)
source: savannahcarmel.org

Yesterday, June 8th, marked the first day of a nine day novena to Our Lady.  Ending on her feast day of July 16th.  Our family is praying this novena and plan to celebrate her feast day with a gathering of family and friends.  Each of my kids have their special intention during the novena.  One in particular has a very special request, God hear her!

First Day

O Beautiful Flower of Carmel, most fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, holy

and singular, who brought forth the Son of God, still ever remaining a pure virgin, assist us in our necessity! O Star of the Sea, help and protect us! Show us that you are our Mother!

(pause and mention petitions)

Recite: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Second Day

Most Holy Mary, Our Mother, in your great love for us you gave us the Holy

Scapular of Mount Carmel, having heard the prayers of your chosen son Saint Simon Stock. Help us now to wear it faithfully and with devotion. May it be a sign to us of our desire to grow in holiness.

(pause and mention petitions).

Recite: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

I'll post the daily prayers as we go along.  To conclude our novena to Our Lady we do plan to have a day in her honor.  Here are the plans:

The Menu

( source: Catholic Cuisine)

Granita de caffe

from the book Feast Day Cookbook; The Traditional Catholic Feast Day Dishes of Many Lands

A Brown Scapular Cake

I'm hoping to have a few families over to eat this cake and enjoy the day with.  At the end though I'm looking forward to the day with my own little family and a few hens.

A conversation with logical kids

Princess:  Momma the sky is blue, right?
Me:  Yes, the sky is blue
Princess:  See, (Rose) I told ya the sky is blue!
Rose:  No it isn't, it just looks blue to us because of all that stuff in the atmosphere.  It makes the sky look blue but, it really isn't.
Princess:  Momma! The sky just looks blue because it has stuff in it!

I stand corrected

Princess:  Momma I'm allergic to snakes and bears.
Me:  Oh really, why?
Princess:  Cuz' snakes and bears eat meat...and I'm made of meat...so I can't be around them...they are dangerous biters.

Family Focus Fun

After weeks of madness The Man and I woke up last Friday knowing just how we wanted to spend our 4th of July weekend.  It was going to be family focused and fun.  Our little Klan needed this time to re energize ourselves and reunite.  Some things went smoother than other planned outings and some trips never  happened. 

But we had fun and learned a few things along the way...

FRIDAY

We treated the kids to a surprise day @ KNOTT'S BERRY FARM.  It had been years since The Man and I had gone to Knott's and none of our kids had ever been there.  This place is way cheaper than any of the other local "big" amusement parks and we got discounts through the Ralph's grocery store.  It was a win-win for us.

Rose, it turns out, is tall enough to go on most of the big rides.  We knew she was tall for her age, 6, but I was surprised to know she measures at 49'!  Man, she is going to tower over me one day.  Anyhow, I didn't think she would like the big/tall coaster rides....HA!  I was so wrong.  She has her Papi's adrenaline genes in her for sure.  Every time she got off of one of those rides she carried a grin from ear to ear and told me how "awesome" it was.

We saw a few shows.  The stunt show was O.K.  There was some older humor tossed around but, it went over my younger one's heads.  Since it was a "stunt show" set in the old west; there was lots of shooting, falling from the balconies, punches and throws from the second stories...what you would expect from the rowdy Old West right?  Max thought the jumps and falls were "way cool".  Of course, he said he could never be a stunt guy, do to all those bruises..."they must be sore a lot".

Snoopy on Ice was great.  The ice skaters were amazing.  You have to imagine a small area of stage ice that they have to work on.  These skaters did jumps, lifted up their partners, twirled, and boogied down to the near edge of the stage.  Their performance was impressive.

Enough with the review...here are some highlights in pictures:

Waiting for the Stunt Show to start

My future pilots

Princess and I on the train ride while we wait for the "big" kids

That's Will our mining tour guide in the back...he had a fabulous old west twang-lingo thing going on.  We loved it!  And he knew his Johnny Cash songs too!  If you stop by Knott's this summer, pay him a visit at the Calico Mine Ride.

Princess Huffing and Puffing along this train track.  She was the last to fall in but made a grand ole finish!

Fourth of July!

The Man was able to get tickets for Americafest 2010 @ the Rose Bowl.  We invited our good friend who was entertaining his niece and nephew from Tennessee.  This had to be the best fireworks show I've EVER seen!  Honestly, it was THAT GOOD!

Luckily, we had the RV to bar-b-que and have to relax in.  So we were able to avoid the HUGE crowds.  Oh yes, it was crowded.  But the people were by the food and games.  We parked with the other RVs and it felt just like camping.

Our Menu:

jalapeno cheese thingies

macaroni salad (my recipe)

tri tip sandwiches

fruit

&

a few specially made sugar cookies using these

R & M Patriotic USA 8 Piece Cookie Cutter Set

(sorry no pictures...we had to rush to get these done)

taking a walk by the festival for a bit only to return to our little corner...a better choice

The parking spaces behind our friend was full by the evening time...it was crazy.  But, while it was empty the kids had a free area for bubbles and scooters.

Getting ready for the show inside the stadium

There were several bands playing here.  This was the final act and all the bands came out together and played "America the Beautiful".  It was a nice ending. 

The best part of the pre-show was the video dedication to our fallen soldiers that resided in the San Gabriel Valley area.  82 soldiers gave their lives from 2003 to today for the very thing we were celebrating.  Several of their family members were present in the stadium in honor of their loved ones.  So every now and then there would be loud cheers and huge American flags waving as a picture was shown.  It was such a lovely video and gift to these families.  I don't think there was a dry eye around me.   

Then there was the show...

We hope you all had a very special

4th of July!