A Conversation with my 3 year old...

Today we went to Walmart and bought some birthday wrapping paper for Ryan's birthday gifts. We are a little behind due to our trip to Williamsburg. More on the trip later. Nicole really wanted to play with the wrapping paper for some reason. I said "No, that is for Ryan's birthday."

Nicole: "Ryan's birthday?"
Mom: "Yes, we are going to have a party for Ryan's birthday this weekend."
Nicole: "A party!?"
Mom: "Yes, you will have to help daddy make a cake for Ryan."
Nicole: "I love cake! We can make a princess cake!"
Mom: "Do you think Ryan likes princess cakes?"
Nicole: "Yes!"
Mom: "Well, Daddy was thinking of making a bear cake."
Nicole: "I LOVE bear cakes! They're round and yummy and sweet and look like a bear!"
Mom: "Nicole, I love you!"

Maybe I am biased but it was the cutest thing and it really made my day. She is so darn cute sometimes.

April

April has been a busy month. It started with Conference and a visit from Grandma! Of course we have been hiding and hunting for easter eggs all month. The kids don't really care if there is something in the eggs. It's the thrill of the hunt that they love. Candy is just a bonus. Katie had a piano recital, a choral concert/artshow, and then a talent show. Every Wed. and Sat. are filled with swimming lessons. We have eaten way too many PB&J sandwiches on the run this month!

Boys vs. Girls

I have probably said it before but I get such a kick out of watching the differences between my two youngest children. Ryan and Nicole fit the stereo types of boys and girls to a "T". The picture above is just one example. Nicole always wants to wear pink (flowers are even better) dresses. Ryan just wants to throw or climb on something. Yesterday morning we were at the park and as I looked at my two children I started laughing. The two of them had shared the exact same activities that morning, they had also had the exact same food. Nicole looked clean and beautiful in her little dress. Ryan had mud streaked up his leg, chocolate all over his face, and the entire front half of his body was soaked. Both were extremely happy!

Katie's Talent Show

Last night was the annual Blue Mountain Elementry Cressona Talent Show. Katie decided that she did not want to play the piano this year so we came up with this little skit/song that she preformed with her friend Emily. I think they were a little nervous on stage but I am proud of them for performing.

Cute things my kids say...

This morning my sweet little Nicole came downstairs and headed towards our bed to snuggle with Daddy (as she usually does). However, Jim had to go to work early today and was not there to snuggle with her.
Nicole says, "Where's my Dadddy? I need my Daddy!"
Mom: "Daddy had to go to work early."
Nicole "No, I need my Daddy, He's my friend."

Later in the morning we went to Wal-mart for a few essentials. As we were walking along I was telling the kids what we needed to find next to put in our cart. Trying my best to keep them focused on only those things that we needed to go in the cart. So, I said "Next we need find some cheese." Ryan grits his teeth, squints his eyes, kind of smiles and says "CHEESE!" Of course the camera is never available at such oportune times.

Chocolate Mint Cake

Ok, I am not the world's greatest cook unless of coarse you ask Katie. She is a little biased. There is no one that can open a can of Raviolies like her mom! LOL! However, this cake was soooo good that I had to share. I have been feeling a little stressed lately and when this happens large quantities of chocolate seem the only cure. This cake hit the spot. I'm sorry. I did not get a picture because the cake was gone too quickly. Here is the Recipe:

Ingredients:
1 chocolate cake mix
3 TBSP. Creme de menthe syrup
1 recipe hot fudge sauce
1 8oz container whipped topping
2 TBSP. Creme de menthe syrup
green food coloring

Directions:
1.Prepare cake mix as directed, except substitute 3 TBSP. Creme de Menthe syrup for 3 TBSP water.
2. Pour into 13x9 inch pan and bake according to package directions. Meanwhile prepare hot fudge sauce.
3. Remove from oven while hot, poke holes all over the cake with a fork. Slowly pour the hot fudge sauce over the cake letting it soak into the holes. You may have to pour half wait a little bit for it to soak in and then pour the rest. Let the cake cool completely! Refrigerate at least one hour before topping.
4. After refrigerating, mix whipped topping , 2 TBSP creme de menthe syrup and a few drops of green food coloring. Spread on cake. Keep refrigerated.

Hot Fudge Sauce
1 can sweetened condensed milk
6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsp. butter.

Melt all together. I like to use a double boiler because I don't like to risk burning the chocolate.

I didn't have any girl scout thin mints at the time but I think they would be fabulous crumbled up and spread on the cake after the hot fudge sauce and before topping.

Enjoy!

Chicken Cacciatore

Last night I tried out the Crockpot Chicken Cacciatore recipe from Amber's blog (check out my blogs I follow link to get the recipe) It was a Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade recipe. The only change I made was to put the broth in a pan after the chicken was cooked and thicken it a little with cornstarch. It was a big hit with the kids! Thanks Amber! I feel like I have redeemed my cooking skills. Stay tunned for mint chocolate cake.