That's Just What A Mom Would Do

One of my kids said, "Mom, I want to show you this picture." It was so cute I couldn't help saying, "Aww. That's just what a mom would do." They thought I would like it and the more I thought about it I realized that this is what my child sees in me. Aww! I love you, too, Son.

There are so many to look at, would you like to see more pictures? Click here.

Blessings,

Sugar Bomb Birthday Cake

It was Jared's birthday and I wanted to bake a cake. He asked for a creamsicle cake. I never baked one before but I found one of the easiest recipes that I thought I'd give it a try. And since this cake required very few ingredients I thought I could just whip it up in no time. One boxed cake mix and Crush soda (I should have stopped right there).

Then I began to add this and that and made it more time consuming. It took three boxes of cake mix, 2 boxes of pudding mix and frostings. (The first layer did not have pudding)

You can find the recipe here.

Although, I altered it a bit. I added 4 more ounces of soda and one small box of vanilla pudding to each cake mixture. Once it was done baking I put vanilla orange flavored wafers in between the layers and sprinkled crushed walnuts on top.

Now, I am one of those moms that never, never let my kids lick the beaters. This is what they hear me say when they ask for one, "No! It's raw egg and that's dangerous." But this cake does not have any egg so I swiped one of the beaters with my finger; tasted exactly like a creamsicle. Oh, I was so excited. This is going to be great!

This is how it looked when I added the orange Crush.

Follow the recipe for baking instructions but add the vanilla pudding mix or it will turn out as a thin layer instead of a moist layer. I know from experience, just take a look at the first layer then at the second layer.

First layer of cake with frosting then a layer of the vanilla wafers.Spread frosting on top to fill the cracks between each cookie. Now, you know why this was a sugar bomb.

Another layer of frosting, cake and cookies. I had three layers of cake by the time I was done. Whew!

Next time I will do all without the wafers (It was sugared at the extreme levels). Jared said, "The cake was great, Mom. I had to drink a lot of milk with it but it was great!" My niece stated that it was a diabetic attack in the making. (Ahem-hem, I was able to eat one bite.)

Quite surprisingly, it did taste like a creamsicle. Enjoy with a glass of milk.

Have a blessed day,

Christopher's Graduation

Congratulations Christopher!

I can't tell you how proud I was to see my youngest son graduate. It was both a bitter and a sweet moment because although he is still my baby I realize that he is a grown man. 

Class of 2013

Ryan, Collin, Christopher

Jacqueline, Megan, Mikayla and Bianca

Picture-By-Ashley

After the graduation we went to B.J's to celebrate with several friends and family.

This one is for Ralph...

Jared, Ralph, Kristen and Christopher

 

Kristen took the following pictures of Christopher and they came out great.

A glimpse at Christopher's table display.

 The start of signatures are on the shield Jared made for Christopher.

Jared made both sword and shield.

Now it is hanging on Christopher's wall fully signed by friends and family.

 Congratulations Son! I am so proud of you.

Friend, thank you for visiting and being part of the special times of my life.

God bless you.

Touches of Burlap Thank You Cards

With a congregation of approximately 300 people, handing out invitations, thank you cards, Christmas cards, baby showers, birthday parties and announcements can be a costly event. So, throughout the years those who attend our church receive their cards at the door as they enter in or cards get handed out once church is over. We still mail cards to friends and families sharing our joyous moments with those we love.

Now that Christopher's graduation is over I wanted to make the cards unique and add a little bit of burlap to give the cards a more masculine look. For the cards that we will hand out at the church I wrapped with a burlap sleeve instead of the envelope.

   I can used the envelopes another time since there are so many paper crafts ideas for cards. The cards that will be mailed I applied burlap on the cover with a little wooden letter P. I pressed one side of the letter in blue ink.

The steam caused the paper to curl (first picture below) but a dry setting took care of that problem. Now the cards are ready to say "Thanks" to our friends and family.

Thank you for the visit today and for keeping me company while I worked on this project. I enjoyed sharing it with you.

It Was Good To See You Again

My mother was in the hospital and several family members came to Phoenix to visit her and let her know they cared and loved her.

Christopher, Mom, Jared and Kristen.

Eva, Tom, Carol, Olga, Mom, Rose and myself.

It has been several years that all six sisters have been together. Here we are in a group picture with my brothers Carlo and Victor. How I wish the pictures were a bit more clear but I truly am grateful to have these.

My sister-in-law Grace and Fred Jr., Carol, Victor, Rose, Olga, Eva and her husband Tom, Ray (Olga's husband) Kristen, myself  and my two boys, Jared and Christopher.

Ismael and his daughter Angelica.

Thank you to all that came and to those that couldn't make it, you were with us in heart.

Blessings,
 

Happy Birthday, Jared!

August 20

Happy Birthday, Jared!

22

May God continue to bless and draw you closer to Him!

May He be your guide until He comes to take us home to be with Him.

I love you, Son.

 My daughter, Kristen and Jared at the Arizona Biltmore.

Cool, Jared! Happy 22nd birthday!!

Love, Mom

XOX

Blessings,

Happy Birthday, Jared

Twenty-one years; it seems like such a long time but it happened when I blinked my eyes. You passed the teen years and we came through alright, now the fun really begins. This is where, for many, decisions are cemented in life, perhaps marriage, purchasing a home, or whether to have a family and settle down. None the less, I know whatever decision you make will be done carefully and with prayer as you have shown through the early years to be your heart’s desire to please our Lord. I love you, Son, “Happy Birthday”, and happy, happy everything and everyday of your life. You make me proud just to be your mom.