Happy Birthday, Caroline! :: An American Girl Party

At the end of last month we celebrated Twinkle Toes 10th birthday!   Last Christmas she had received Caroline along with a matching dress and had been looking forward to a "Caroline" themed birthday party all year!  Even though I wasn't feeling well that day (which seems to be a theme for birthdays this year!), and had an appointment with my dentist, we still managed to pull off a fun-filled day for our oldest daughter.   I had a few activities planned and Sean took all of the older children on an afternoon outing while my mom came over to help me make dinner.  It wasn't as elaborate as some of the past birthday parties we have had (at least I didn't think so until I started to compile all the pictures in this blog post!) but the birthday girl absolutely loved her special day!

.: Meet Caroline - 1812 :.

a daring, self reliant girl who learns to steer a steady course
 amid the challenges of war

 The first thing Twinkle Toes did when she woke up was put on her Caroline outfit, I curled her hair, and then she came out to the kitchen to see her cake and enjoy and eat breakfast! 

She had requested "Old Fashioned Oatmeal" with cream, brown sugar, and raisins, in addition to mugs of hot cocoa to drink! 

"When Caroline woke, sun was sreaming through the window.  The scent of frying bacon drifted into the bedroom. She tossed the quilt aside and jumped to her feet.  If she didn't hurry, she'd be late for breakfast." 

~ Changes for Caroline

.: Caroline's Color and Crafts :. 

"Embroidery was considered an important skill for girls. Some girls, like Caroline, enjoyed this work." 
~ Meet Caroline: An American Girl

Even though this Embroidered Pillow Kit was made for Felicity it ties in nicely for Caroline too!  The girls had received these kits last Christmas as well and still hadn't started making them yet.  They got started on the embroidery, but are still working on completing the project.

I had also ordered a copy of Caroline Color & Craft which kept all the kids busy while I ran to town.

.: Racing Hoops :.

"I like racing hoops too," Caroline said.  She blew out the lamp and slid into bed.  "Last year we had hoop races in the village on Independence Day."  It had been great fun to roll big wooden hoops over the grass, while little children practiced nearby." 
~ A Surprise for Caroline

Large hoops are set into motion and the person runs along side it, keeping it rolling with a stick. Hoop-rolling contests can be held to see who can roll their hoop for the longest amount of time or who can roll it the farthest.

.: Inkpot Cookies :.

"Inkpot, her black cat, must have found the carpet comforting, too. He was curled into a ball in a patch of sunlight, fast asleep. Caroline scooped him up and nestled one cheek against his soft fur.  Papa had brought Inkpot home when he was no more than a scruffy stray kitten.  "sailors believe black cats are good luck," he'd told Caroline." 
~ Meet Caroline: An American Girl

After Racing Hoops the girls came inside and helped bake "Inkpot" Sugar Cookies!  We kept it quick and simple by just using a package of refrigerated Sugar Cookie dough with a cat shaped cookie cutter.

I thought the Wilton Cookie Cutter made a perfect version of Inkpot! 

.: Birthday Feast :.

"Mama and Grandmother had prepared a feast: stuffed whitefish, lima beans, cabbage and apples, carrot pudding, and two desserts - an apple pie and a burnt-sugar cake."
~ Caroline's Secret Message

It worked out perfectly that my mom (grandmother!) stopped by to help me pull together dinner while Sean was out with all the big kids! When everyone arrived home the Apple Cider was simmering on the stove and we have Sailboat Eggs, whitefish, lima baked beans, cabbage and apples and two desserts all ready! 

"Caroline Abbot leaned over the rail and laughed with delight.  "Isn't this wonderful?" she asked her cousin Lydia. Sailing on Lake Ontario was fun anytime, but being permitted to come aboard the sloop White Gull on its very first voyage was an extra-special treat." 
~ Meet Caroline: An American Girl

.: Birthday Gifts :.

"After the plates had been cleared away, Caroline received several gifts." 
~ Caroline's Secret Message

"Caroline jumped up so fast, her chair almost fell over.  She ran around the table and hugged Mr. Tate.  "What a wonderful gift," she said.  "Thank you.""

~ Caroline's Secret Message

Twinkle Toes received such a fun variety of gifts including Caroline's Birthday Dress and a couple other American girl items from Sean and I, a miniature Saige doll from Grandma & Grandpa for our horse loving freckled girl, a super sweet card and gift from her other grandparents, a couple new pajamas, a bunk bed (to go along with their own new bunk bed!) for her Calico Critters from Chiquita.  

I also gave her a couple books I loved when I was her age - The Secret Garden (she received the version illustrated by Tasha Tudor) and Eight Cousins by Louisa May Alcott.  I also gave her a copy of Caddie Woodlawn!  (I loved that a couple of them matched the cover of A Surprise for Caroline, and tied in Ice Skating to the party, since our original plans to go ice skating were changed when we found out that the rink was closed for their annual deep cleaning.  I'm sure she will loves these as much as I did!

.: Caroline's Bonnet Birthday Cake :. 

I already posted about Caroline' Bonnet Birthday Cake here. 

And I had to share the following four pictures... I didn't notice what Snuggles and Rose were up to until I uploaded the pictures! Too funny! 

"Caroline heard the murmur of conversation from the next room, where people she loved had gathered to honor her birthday.  She reached for her grandmother's hand.  "Come along," she said.  "Let's go back to the party."

 Happy 10th Birthday Twinkle Toes!  

Caroline's Bonnet :: A 10th Birthday Cake

This year Twinkle Toes asked for a "Caroline" themed birthday party!  While I was looking through the books for ideas and inspiration I decided that "Caroline's Bonnet" might make a fun cake for my new "ten-ager!"  I really didn't know how I was going to pull if off when I got started... and at one point it looked more like a "frosted Kidney Bean" instead of a cake... but in the end I thought it turned out pretty and the birthday girl loved her cake when she saw it in the morning!  

Caroline's Bonnet Cake

Supplies:

Round & Oval Cake Pans

Cake Batter (I used one yellow cake mix)

White Frosting mixed with a little Chocolate Frosting to create a "straw" color

White, Pink and Green Marshmallow Fondant

Large Marshmallow

Pink Sprinkles

I just used a one box of Yellow Cake Mix for the cakes, dividing the batter between my two pans.  I cut a rounded corner out of the cake to fit the two cakes together in a (somewhat) bean bonnet shape and put a layer of frosting over the whole cake.  

While the frosting was setting in the freezer I started looking for decorating supplies.   I had picked up a box of white fondant (which is going back to JoAnns), but just couldn't bring myself to use it.  We don't like the taste, and I hate spending the money on something that is going to just be peeled off and thrown away.  At swimming lessons this summer a friend of mine suggested trying out homemade marshmallow fondant. She said I would be surprised at how easy it was and told me that everyone will love it!  She was right!!!  (Just look at those kids scrapping the sides of the bowl for any scraps... Even my husband loved it!) 

I used this recipe as a guide.  I only had a 10 oz bag of marshmallows in the cupboard, so I modified the recipe accordingly. After melting the marshmallows in the microwave I mixed in some powdered sugar to form a sticky dough and transfered it to my kitchenaid.  I lost track of how much powdered sugar I used, but I basically just kept adding one cup at a time, kneading it with a hook attachment, until it was no longer sticky.   I seperated it into three balls before kneading in some gel food coloring in pink and green. 

The recipe said to wrap the fondant tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate over night, but I didn't have time for that.  It probably would have been much easier to work with, but I was just going for "pretty" not "perfect" and it all worked out.  :)   I created my "ribbon" by rolling a slice of green and two slices of pink fondant onto a wide strip of white fondant.  

After pulling the cake out of the freezer for the final layer of frosting, I mixed a little chocolate frosting into my can of white frosting to create a "straw" color and added lines using the end of the butter knife to resemble a straw bonnet.   I then began adding the "ribbon" of marshmallow fondant...

... and a fondant "bow" as well.  I would have preferred using mini-marshmallows to create flowers on the side of the bonnet, but using what I had in the cupboard, opted for one "stacker" marshmallow cut into small triangles and dipped in pink sprinkles. 

Lydia straightened and tugged on the brim of her bonnet.  "It is a very bright today," she complained.

"I like it." Caroline tipped her head back so that she could feel the June sunshine on her face.  The winters in northern New York were long and cold.  Caroline didn't see what harm it did to enjoy the sunshine while they had it.

"Young ladies must protect their skin from the sun," Lydia said.

~ Meet Caroline: An American Girl

A Quick Hello and a Giveaway!

I just wanted to pop in real quick to say hello and let you all know that I will try and answer comments/blog questions and emails (there are currently over 250 in my inbox waiting for responses from this past year... Even though I had it "caught up" to 60 at the beginning of summer.) as soon as I have a chance.  It's just been a little busier than usual around here!  Thursday we had an Ice Cream Social at the park with friends, Friday we celebrated a 10th birthday (pictures coming soon!), Saturday included a visit with out-of-state cousins, Sunday we headed to the coast for a parish picnic, Latin Mass and dinner with friends (before a late night drive home), Monday (yesterday) I watched my little brother win the final round of a golf tournament (and setting a new record!), and today we have dear friends arriving for another visit and staying until Sunday!  I guess I really should have used pencil when I wrote "First Day of School" in my planner! ;) 

Dressed up and coloring pictures from Caroline's Color and Craft on Twinkle Toes' 10th Birthday

Anyways, while we are busy having fun with friends, it's time for another giveaway here at Shower of Roses.  Over the past couple years I have purchased a few beautiful dresses for my girls from Cheri at Ashley's Attic and she has offered to give an Apron and Bonnet set to one of my visitors!  You can see my girls wearing the Josefina and Kirsten dresses in the Josefina Birthday and An Early American Pioneer Birthday posts.  Twinkle Toes also received the Caroline Abbott dress last Christmas which she wore again last week on her 10th birthday!  I have been so impressed with the quality and durability of these dresses and look forward to purchasing more (perhaps a dress for Rose!) from Ashley's Attic in the future!

The winner of this giveaway will receive a handmade Bonnet and Apron in their choice of either Regular (fits best 5 to 9 year old) or Large (fits best 10 and over).  The color will be chosen by Cheri, since this is an extra busy time of year for her as well.

If you would like to be entered in this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post, and make sure your email address is either linked on your profile or included in the comment so that I am able to contact you if you win.

For an extra entry visit Ashley's Attic and then come back and tell me which dress/item is your favorite, or help me decide which dress I should purchase for Rose!  The "Wendy" dress is one of my own favorites... Isn't it just darling!?! :)  (Ooh!  I love this one too, and it's pink! So many beautiful choices, it is so hard to pick a favorite!)

Comments will be closed Saturday night and I will update this post and contact the winner next Sunday, which happens to be our Blessed Mother's Birthday!  God bless you all! 

UPDATE: Thank you all for participating! Congratulations to texasgal!  I'll be contacting you soon for your size preference and mailing information.  I hope your daughter enjoys her new bonnet and apron! 

{pretty, happy, funny, real} :: From My iPhone

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~

{pretty}

We will be celebrating a 10th birthday tomorrow!  I haven't had much time to prepare, other than placing a couple online orders for gifts for the birthday girl, but after rounding up a few things yesterday afternoon and a quick trip to the store I am hopeful that the "Caroline" party will come together.  Now to start baking and decorating a cake... 

{happy}

After trying quite a few samples, including some salmon/terra cotta-ish reds and a couple tans, I finally settled on the Cleveland Green.  I didn't like it at first (with just a sample size spot on the wall), but ended up deciding it was the best of all the options.  Once I got the full wall painted I LOVED it!  It looks a little darker than the picture at some times of day, but even then it is beautiful. (The picture really doesn't do the color justice.) I still have to touch up the edges and paint along the ceiling, once I can borrow a taller ladder from my dad, but that will have to wait for now... 

{funny}

Pizza, anyone?!  I had to use up that last gift certificate that Sean won at Vegas in the Valley by the end of the month.  Between the gift certificate and our Papa John's App Rewards/coupon code our total was only $4.05 for 3 large pizzas, 2 boxes of garlic parmesan breadsticks, a box of chicken poppers and a 2-liter of soda.  The older boys were very excited - and all that pizza didn't last very long!

{real}

From Instagram/Facebook last Sunday:  I couldn't help but smile during Mass this evening (after nearly missing due to one more little cross- aka trouble walking/pinched nerve in my back) when I looked up and realized I was kneeling right next to the fifth station. I immediately recalled the encouragement from a dear friend this past week who said "Look 'em in the eyes (my crosses-we all have them!) and carry them even more resolutely now! Or Jesus will soon send you a Simon of Cyrene for a while;)" I think I'm about ready for Simon to show up... or at least another Advil! :)

I'm feeling much better this week.  Well, I can walk at least, and I haven't been moving any more furniture.  I don't know what I was thinking last Friday/Saturday when I decided, after a way too busy and emotional week, that I might as well give the schoolroom to Snuggles and Bud now, before our new school year begins.    It started with moving the crib out of the girls new room, and taking the toddler bed to Rose's new room, which meant I needed to take down down one of the big girls old beds to make room for the toddler bed.  Then my desk (from the school room) was moved to my room.  The single bed in the boys room was taken apart to set up in the schoolroom (until we can purchase a bunk for the little boys, after Bud is a little safer around ladders). The two white desks from the schoolroom went to the older boys room, under the window where the single bed was before. The changing table/dresser (from Rose & Bud's old room) went to the school room.  Then I reset up the twin bed and crib (as a toddler bed) in the school room for Snuggles and Bud.  Oh, I forgot the bookcases! A small wooden bookcase went from the big boys room to the little boys new room, and two of the white bookcases from the school room went to the big girls bedroom.   The stacking shelves went out to the dining area (our official new "school room").  Yep, I was a little busy and pushed myself (with the help of our oldest boys) a little too hard.  I somehow managed to pinch a nerve and could barely walk by Saturday night.  I am still trying to find homes for some of the stuff that had been stored in the schoolroom, which is stacked and lining my hallway at the moment.   It is going to be a huge adjustment for me, not having that room anymore (it had started to function as more of an office/storage room for me), but we will make it work. 

The little boys are loving their new room and sharing it with each other.  The first night they slept in their new bedroom we walked by to see Snuggles standing over Bud.  Sean asked him what he was doing out of bed and he replied, "I just wanted to make sure "Bud" was covered up!" So sweet!

I'll be back in a bit with our curriculum plans for this coming school year!

Visit Like Mother, Like Daughter for more pictures of contentment.

Feliz Cumpleaños Chiquita :: A "Josefina" Birthday!

On Saturday we celebrated Chiquita's 8th Birthday!  This year she requested a Josefina themed birthday party.  I hadn't been feeling well all of last week, and was overwhelmed from way too much paperwork, other commitments, and a 12 year old boy who had been sick all night Friday/Saturday morning. Thankfully I had put a little thought into her birthday weeks ago and had supplies and a few activities planned to make sure she had a special day, even though we kept the celebration simple and to just our immediate family. 

Chiquita was given Josefina, her very first American girl doll, for Christmas in 2010.  This past year the girls also completed a Unit Study and Josefina Lap Book.  And last Christmas Chiquita received a dress-up clothes to match Josefina!  The first thing Chiquita did when she woke up was put on her Josefina outfit! 

.: Las Mañanitas :.

mañanitas (may-nyah-NEE-tahs) - a traditional song sung to wake someone in the morning on a special day ~ Happy Birthday, Josefina!

Usually I try to have a cake baked and decorated the night before, for the children to discover when they wake up in the morning, but Friday night Sean and I were out late (He had choir practice for our Latin Mass and I needed to run a few errands.  Afterwards we went to every store in town trying to find a bike for the birthday girl.)  so early Saturday morning we got up early, wrapped a few gifts, placed some flowers on the counter, along with a coffee cake and melon for breakfast.  We then "woke up" the birthday girl singing Las Mañanitas!   I purchased a beautiful Mañanitas CD from Sister Servants which we played all morning.

We sing songs for your feast day, which were sung by David, King,

Now we sing them in your honor; Of all your beauties we sing,

Awake now, my love, awake now, the dawn has already flown;

hear the little birds are singing, the moon's already gone home...

Along with the Coffee Cake and Melon the birthday girl also enjoyed New Mexican Hot Cocoa!

Esteban and Mariana brought a wonderful gift. It was a melon that had been buried in sand since last fall's harvest to keep it fresh.  When Josefina thanked her, Mariana said, "It's not much, but my heart goes with it."  ~ Happy Birthday, Josefina!

Tia Dolores had made a special fancy loaf of bread.  

~ Happy Birthday, Josefina!

Twinkle Toes made sure to add a Statue of St. Joseph to the decorations for her little sister.  

"The morning song was only the first surprise in a day full of them.  Ana made cookies called bizcochitos for everyone to eat before breakfast.  At morning prayers, Francisca showed Josefina how she'd decorated the family altar with garlands of mint and willow leaves and how she'd surrounded the statue of San Jose, the saint Josefina was named for, with white wild lilies and little yellow celery flowers.  Clara, who liked to be practical, surprised Josefina by helping with her chores." ~ Happy Birthday, Josefina!

.: Memory Boxes :. 

The girls had also been saving the Memory Box Craft Kits they received for Christmas to paint on Chiquita's birthday!

"Papa had given her a little wooden box of Mama's. Josefina called it her memory box because in it she kept small things that reminded her of Mama, such as a piece of Mama's favorite lavendar-scented soap." ~ Meet Josefina

The girls had so much fun painting their own little wooden memory boxes! 

Rose didn't want to be left out of the painting fun... I ended up finding a wooden egg for her to paint.  She painted it pink, of course, and has been carrying it around ever since!

.: Snake-Bite Calzone :.

Then everything happened so fast it was a blur. The snake gave a menacing rattle. Mariana threw the rock at it and missed. The snake whipped its head around, shot forward, and struck Mariana on the arm with its fangs."  ~ Happy Birthday, Josefina!

Shortcake had suggested incorporating a snake into our party, and Charlotte found me a recipe from Kraft for a Snake-Bite Calzone!  Of course I needed "a five year old boy and a three year old girl" to help make a special lunch for the birthday girl! ;) The prefect distraction for my two "helpers" while the girls finished painting their memory boxes!

Rose wasn't sure she was interested in eating "snake" for lunch... even if it does taste like pizza! 

The birthday girl, on the other hand,  thought it was perfect!!!  And the boys? Well they said next time we need to make 4 or 5, not just one.  It was GOOD!  

He handed her something that looked sort of like a shell.  It was rattles from a rattlesnake. "I've saved these since I was a boy just your age," said Papa to Josefina," to remind me of something I was proud of.  Now I am giveing them to you, because I am proud of you."  ~ Happy Birthday, Josefina!

.: Spanish Appetizers :.

There were meat turnovers, and fruit tarts, and candies fruit that looked like jewels.  ~ Happy Birthday, Josefina!

Thankfully I had picked up lots of appetizers (which helped make up for not having enough Snake Calzone) at Costco including Mini Chicken Tacos, Beef Taquitos, and Chicken, Pepper Jack and Jalapeño Empanadas, with Chips and Salsa. 

.: Spanish Songs and Games :.

"Popular pastimes from Spain included singing games such as La Vibora de la Mar (The Sea Serpent), which is similar to London Bridge, and guessing games such as El Floron (The Flower), which is much like Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?"  ~ Happy Birthday, Josefina!

We choose a few games from The American Girl's Party Book.   This book is out of print, but we were able to purchase a copy for pretty much the cost of shipping. We choose a few Spanish Songs and Games to play outside on our beautiful spring day!

El florin (el flo-ROHN), or The Flower

One player is the Guesser. The other players sit in a circle holding their closed fists out in front of them.  The Guesser closes her eyes. One of the players hides the floron - a flower blossom or other small object - in her hand. Then players chant the lines below as the Guesser tries to guess who has the floron. If the Guesser is correct, she and the hider switch places.

The flower goes in the hands,
And in the hands it has spoken.
Guess who has it, guess who has it, 
Or be taken for a fool!

It look a little while to explain the concept to our little Rose!  When Chiquita opened her eyes the first time and I said "Ok, who do you think has the flower?" Rose immediately forgot about keeping her fist closed and pointed to Snuggles hand shouting "HE HAS IT!" to Chiquita!  Lets try that again... 

The Rainbow

Players choose a home base. One player is the Angel. The other players are the Rainbow. They each think of a color to be - without saying their color out loud. Then the Angel calls out a color. When a player's color is named, she runs for the base while the Angel tried to catch her. If she reaches the base before the Angel, she chooses another color and rejoins the rainbow. If the Angel catches her, that player is out of the game.

The Sea Serpent

This game is much like London Bridge. Two players hold their hands up high to form a bridge. The other players form a line, each holding onto the waist of the player in front of her. The line weaves under the bridge like a sea serpent as the players chant the lines below. At the next-to-last line, the players forming a bridge drop their arms to catch a player. Gently they rock her back and forth. Then the game starts again.

The sea serpent we like to play
To have fun, to have fun.
Under the bridge all on a track, 
Children in front go faster and faster.
If you don't follow, you'll stay back, 
Back, back, back, back. 

.: Birthday Gifts :.

"Josefina swirled the shawl around her shoulders and looked behind her to see the brilliant embroidered flowers and the slippery, shimmery fringe on the back. She fluttered the fan and felt very elegant indeed." ~ Happy Birthday, Josefina!

Chiquita was so very excited to open her own very beautiful shawl sent from her madrina! 

She also loved the birthday card her padrino had mailed to her!   

She also received a couple new outfits for summer, the set of Kit Books, the set of 4 American Girl movies, and her first very own bicycle!

.: Josefina's Leather Pouch and Flowers :. 

"She walked across, picked the primroses, and tucked the stems in her pouch. She let the yellow flowers stick out so that they wouldn't be crushed." ~ Meet Josefina

The birthday cake was inspired by Collette, and based on Josefina's Leather Pouch and Yellow Evening Primroses!   I posted a tutorial here:  Josefina's Primroses in a Pouch Birthday Cake

Even though the cake was one of the easier cakes I have decorated, I was so happy with the results, and so was the birthday girl!  It turned out so pretty, and looked just like Josefina's pouch. 

We love you Chiquita!  Happy Birthday!