"Happy Monday" Cake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!