Becky's latest---a calla lily cake

I just love this cake. Of course, Becky is making cakes everyday now, but I love the cakes that she designs herself the most!
The calla lilies are made of gum paste.

Another great job, Becky!

Seasonal Confusion???

although it did reach 35 degrees today, this poor little robin looks chilly.

Or maybe, spring is here!!--I could handle that!!

A Preschool Snowflake Masterpiece

Perfect temperature for a perfect artistic snowy masterpiece.
I first saw this snowflake painting on the Frugal Family Fun Blog.
Materials needed are:
canvas board-(I was surprised they were so cheap--we have never used them before)
a few different shades of blue paint (or color of choice)
masking tape
For Kimberly's (3 years old) snowflake, I first made an X with masking tape, making sure to press the edges down firmly.

I then added a horizontal strip of tape and then used small pieces of tape for the ends of the snowflake.

Place the different colors of paint on a palette---we always us a plate.

Then paint, paint, paint.

I stressed to the kids to try and not really mix all the colors but try and make a swirl effect with the paint and to cover all of the canvas.

Becky prepared Luke's "fancy" canvas!

I just love these colors together.

Completely cover the canvas with paint. I also had the kids paint the edges of the canvas so it would look nice hanging up without a frame.

We let the paint dry overnight. This was a great lesson in patience.

Peel off the masking tape. It came off quite easily.

TA-DA!!

Great job, Luke!!

I then outlined the snowflakes with black sharpie marker.

It is quite a striking effect!!

It is winter artwort I am very happy to hang on the wall!!

What A Face!!

Holy Cross Academy sings the National Anthem at the Syracuse Carrier Dome

This evening, the Holy Cross Academy's select choir had the honor of singing the National Anthem at the Syracuse women's basketball game in the Carrier Dome.
The Syracuse woman met the Rutgers team on the court.

Heading out onto the court!! Get ready kids!! Amy and Laura--my little singers....

Amy, Mr. Rutledge, Steve and Dan

Line up!

The last second pep-talk.

A moment of silence before beginning the National anthem.

Amy

Laura

These folks always amaze me!

Robert, Mr Rutledge and Dan----Way to go, guys!!

And to top off a great evening, the Orange Women soundly won the game.

And now, for your listening pleasure, Holy Cross Academy's select choir singing our Nation Anthem in the Dome!!

Wordless Wednesday-A Daddy and His Baby

You can check out more Wordless Wednesday fun over at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Helping Those In Need--the roses are sold out

Many of us have heard by now that author and wonderful Catholic homeschooling mom, Regina Doman, had a son recently diagnosed with juvenile diabetes. Her family is now in need, and as an online community, it is a pleasure to be able to help.

One was to help is to purchase her wonderful fairy tale books, written to inspire teenage girls. Purchasing these directly from her will help offset the financial burden being placed on this beautiful family right now.

Another way to help it through Hillside Education. Margot began the Helping those in need program to help those in need, and she still continues with this wonderful work.

I am offering some sets of these crochet roses, used to help little ones appreciate the Rosary.

You can see my original post about these on a previous blog post.

I am offering sets of 11 roses, 10 red for the Hail Mary and 1 white for the Our Father.
Head on over to Hillside Education and take a look at these and other homemade item donated to help out folks, just like us, in need.

UPDATE: The roses are now sold out on the Hillside Education site

Build and Grow--bank

Today Daddy took Mark and Grace to Lowes for their bi-weekly, free, building program for kids.

(Mommy just couldn't quite get it together to make it to the program with them.)
This week they made the very cute and useful coin bank.

And of course, they earned another patch for their Build and Grow aprons.

If you have a Lowes near you, make sure to check for this great free program offered for kids!!

Big fun in the "little house"

Pat helped out a buddy today and in return he can home with this.

Pat is now the champion Daddy of the year.

Thanks Ed.

I have mentioned before, we live in a "little house" and in order to take this picture I needed to stand, leaning out into the hallway, to get 1/3 of the living room in the picture.

It gives the term "family togetherness" a whole new meaning.

Thanks again, Ed,

air hockey has proved to be a big hit with all the kids. :-)

Snowy Handprint Tree

Since the temperature didn't get much above 10 degrees F. today, it was perfect weather for bringing a winter scene inside the house.

I found this idea at Kaboose.

We had everything needed to make this Snowy Handprint Tree:

construction paper(blue and white)

brown paint

glue

salt

First, cut a piece of white paper with a curvy cut. This is the snowy botton of your picture.

Glue this to the botton of the blue construction paper.

Now the fun part, make a brown handprint in the center of the blue paper.

Then use your fingers to "paint" a tree trunk to the botton of the "branches".

If you have impatient children whom are eager to get to the next step.....

they can blow-dry their paint dry.

I liked using clear school glue for the next step.

I thought the kids would use their fingers in the glue, but Luke refused to touch it, so I got out a paint brush.

First, paint the finger branches with glue and then sprinkle the glue with the salt.

This is closely related to glitter dump sprinkling--just as messy--but just as fun.

Dump the salt off the glue to reveal beautiful snowy tree branches.

Luke also made snowflakes in the blue sky.

I love Gracie's "tongue of concentration"!

I also love the pretty results of our wintery trees!

Check out more We Made It activities at Ramblings of a Crazy Woman.