Oliver Wood

Its been a week already since my birthday and I'm finally getting to post a picture of my birthday gift from Madison and Morgan. They surprised me with one of my favorite people from
Harry Potter, a Lego Oliver Wood. Isn't he adorable? We were very late with the whole Harry Potter thing because I was concerned about the "witchcraft" aspect of it but it is such a good story about being selfless and about relationships and how we treat and view those who are different. I am really enjoying it and am almost finished with the final book. The movies are good but I highly recommend taking the time to read the series.
Thanks girls, Ollie is awesome!

Wedding Soup

Since some of my poor children are sick and because Morgan asked me to make some soon the other day- I made a big pot of Wedding Soup today and it is soooo yummy!

All Tuckered Out

Poor little guy. He just fell asleep sitting up on the couch while I was checking in the wedding soup I'm making him.

Can You Tell I've Been Crying?

Manny, I mean although I wouldnt mind a good cry right along with him just cause I feel so bad he's so sad :(
He just doesn't feel well and DID NOT want his daddy to leave for work. He usually isn't up to see Tommy go which makes things much easier cause when he is it makes him very upset but since he isn't well today things went worse than usual. I couldn't get him calmed down till I offered a bath and cheered him for the moment. I'm praying the rest of the day goes better for him than this morning. I wish I could figure out what hurts him.

More Mantis

Mason took this picture to of them on our iris. They are so tiny!

Out Praying Mantis Egg Cases Hatched!

They hatched yesterday and they are so cute! They are only about a millimeter long. Their has to be about 100 of them so I think only one of the egg cases hatched so far. Mason took this picture. Didn't he do a good job?

I'm 39!

Today I turned 39 and I'm not depressed about it what so ever. I'm very happy with my life so getting older doesn't make me sad. I have a great husband, 5 beautiful children here on earth and 2 I'll meet someday in heaven. And I still have a few good years of fertility yet- no I'm not intentionally try to have another baby right now (thats up to God not me) but when the day comes when I can no longer conceive then I know that will be a bit depressing to me :(.
Anyway, I bought this wonderful balm today for myself cause I really do need to start taking better care of my skin. I'm blessed with really young looking and healthy parents and I want to be that way too. I want to be around for plenty of grandchildren! My gram is 91 and I think she looks great for her age.

My Pretty New Mug

I got it for myself for my birthday ;). My husband was kind enough to watch all the children for a while so I could go out shopping by myself. I went to Trader Joes and the Marker District Giant Eagle cause I love to grocery shop and they are two of my favorite stores. I also ran into TJ Maxx and found this beautiful little mug that's made in Poland to add to my growing collection. I don't get there that often but try and buy a new piece everytime
I do. I try very hard not to buy things made in China if I can help it. Atleast things we are going to be using for food. I had another great birthday.

Goodmorning

Been busy here. Marlee has the Chicken Pox.

Madison is 14!!!!!

Fourteen years ago today I officially became a mommy. Well, 14 years and 9 months ago but 14 years ago today I held my first baby in my arms and nursed her for the first time and completely fell in love with her and motherhood! I love my vocation of being a wife and mother and wouldn't change it for any other thing in the world.
This is a picture of Madison and her Pioneer Woman Coffee Cream Cake we made for her B-day today and Lil Manny can't wait to give it a go.
Happy Birthday Honey, I love you sooooo much!!!! You are such a blessing.

Basket Blessing

This is a picture I've been meaning to post of our baskets getting blessed at the Easter Vigil. It's such a beautiful tradition and the Liturgy is one of my favorites that night even though it's was 2 1/2 hours. We had a candle light procession through and around the church and I held Manny while he proudly held his own beeswax candle. He did so good. I wanted to take his picture so badly but I didn't think it would be appropriate, darn it!

Mannypie

Here's and action shot of my cutie pie. He's getting so big!

Homemade Cheesestix

These were excellent! The recipe was from the Pioneer Woman's new cookbook. We made them with provolone, munster and sharp cheddar. We didn't like the sharp cheddar at all, they were too strong but the others were wonderful. Much easier than I expected. I'll try and post our adapted recipe soon ;)

Maple Syrup, yummy

Today I canned my gallon of pure maple syrup into smaller glass jars so it will stay fresher longer. It was a very easy process, just a little sticky.
All you do is reheat your syrup to about 180 degrees and then ladle it into hot, clean jars and put the sealing lids on that you had bathing in boiling water and the jars should seal themselves from all the heat. I used smaller jars because once the syrup is open you must keep it in the fridge since they are no preservatives so I like to just warm up a little at a time as needed.

Paska - Easter- Cheese

This is so yummy hot or cold. I know the Slovak name but there is no way I can spell it ;). It's so easy to make.

Paska Cheese-

6 eggs
2 cups milk
Pinch of salt

Whisk all together well and cook over med heat, stirring constantly till it resembles scrambled eggs in water.
Pour out mixture into a cheese cloth laying in another pot.
Pull ends together and twist to for a ball and squeeze with tongs because it is very hot.
Clip to hold it tight and hang for a few hours to drip.
Then take it down, wrap it up and refrigerate till your ready to go to Divine Liturgy and put it in your basket to get blessed along with your other Paska food.

The Easter Cheese is the dairy product in the basket that reminds us of the "prosperity and peace" of the Messianic times which had been foretold by the Prophets often referenced by "the land of milk and honey," referring to the spiritual wealth of Gods kingdom. (from- Celebrate Easter Slovak Style by Lawrence G. Kozlowski)

Guess How Much I Love You...

I suffered through making Buckeyes for your birthday, honey.
These are for my husband's birthday. I love, love, love to cook and bake but I can't stand making Buckeyes for some reason and he loves them. They are good, I like them too, we all do- although Mason likes his without the chocolate- I just can't stand making them ;(.

Pioneer Woman Pot Roast

This is from the old cookbook- which we love but I just hope the binding is better in the new one, all the pages have fallen out!- This is the first time we have gotten around to making it though since we have been very happy with my own recipe but I thought today we would give it a go.
I just love my big, oval Le Creuset pot It holds so much and works perfectly on the long griddle style burner in my new oven. Thanks again Marshalls for the great deal on clearance.

It's Here

Madison and I will now be planning our menu for the next few weeks. She can't wait to get started.