The Lookout Tower

The other day, Grandma left a comment in regards to the Lincoln Log Village that her oldest grandson wanted her to see. In it she said, "I guess you can watch for forest fires from that lookout tower." Well... Daddy and the boys decided to build a real lookout tower. Here is the result:

The creativity never ends!

Oooohhh!! A Book Walk!!

I am so excited!! Cay is hosting a Book Walk tomorrow over at Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks. The book that will be given away is none other than "Christmas Mosaic!" I can't wait to participate. Christmas Mosaic is on my list of "books to buy" and will be released at the end of the month. The publisher describes it as follows:

This sequel to Catholic Mosaic features study guides for 30 Christmas-themed picture books. It includes a booklist of over 200 Christmas titles and 87 of them are annotated. We've also added recipes, craft ideas, essays by some of your favorite Catholic-mother authors, and a little Christmas poetry. A Christmas literature treasury!!

SO, if you have a spare moment tomorrow. Hop on over to Cajun Cottage Under the Oaks and send Cay an email. Maybe one of us will be the lucky one to win the book!!

Animals at the Zoo...

This is what DS2 drew yesterday, in an attempt to find "something to do."
Includes: 1 Lion, 1 Tiger, 1 Flamingo, 1 Turtle, 1 Monkey, and 7 Bees.

Elizabeth Foss Article

I really love reading anything by Elizabeth Foss. She constantly gives encouragement, inspiration and awesome ideas to help in both daily life and homeschooling. Yesterday, Catholic Exchange posted an article by her titled Taking Note of Change. In it she says:

As a Christian community, as women who are called to nurture families, I think it critical that we watch for times of stress and change in the lives of our friends and that we take special care to treat them with love and with grace, much the way we would treat a mother after birth. Women need other women — they need the compassion and the empathy of creatures designed to nurture. We can be for each other the tender midwife who helps a mother welcome a strange, new life.

As mothers we are constantly going through different phases in our lives. It is so nice to know that you have the support and love of other friends and relatives. I have so many dear friends that are always there for me. I hope that I have been there for my friends when God has presented me with the opportunities. You can read the whole article here.

One More Reason

After a rather crazy morning, I sent my boys down to get the mail. 

They returned with a couple bunches of flowers for their mama. 

I just LOVE my boys. They know just how to make my day!

40 Reasons to Have Kids

Check out this GREAT post by Karen Edmisten called:

40 Reasons to Have Kids

It is quite inspiring! Karen wrote the post to combat a horrible article by a woman titled "40 Reasons Not to Have Kids." How sad that anyone could possibly regret having children. Thank you Karen for clarifying all the joys and benefits of parenting!

Animal Sightings

In the fall we always have quite the assortment of animals to watch in the yard. Usually I am not quick enough to get pictures of them before one of our little darlings scares them off! But I got lucky today and was able to get these pictures to share.

This is just part of a herd of turkeys that live in the area.

These young bucks were RIGHT outside our kitchen door eating grass.

I wish I could get a few pictures of our twin fawns... They were playing in the back yard today chasing each other. It was so cute!

**Note to self**

NEVER make brownies thinking "Oh... It won't affect my diet I will just have 1 or 2!" Yeah right! I might have been able to control myself had I not had ANY, but after that first taste... YUM! But with 100 calories each... YIKES! Well, I am off to make myself a mocha and start my Christmas Notebook while the kids are napping... I'll start my diet again tomorrow. ;)

Building with Lincoln Logs

My oldest was so excited about his Lincoln Log creation that he asked if I would post pictures so that Grandma could see them! :) This is one of the activities that keeps my boys busy during these rainy afternoons that we have been having.

Actually, since I am posting these, I think I will post a few pictures of another Lincoln Log creation... The boys and daddy made a miniature Sacred Heart Church!




Isn't that cool! I love how Lincoln Logs encourage so much creativity!

S'More Fun

Yesterday we made these brownies that were SO delicious!! (Yes I ate two!) I thought I would share the recipe in case any of you want to try them. The kids had a blast making and eating them.

S'more Brownie Bites
From Pampered Chef's Lets Eat! cookbook for children

Ingredients:

1 package (10.25 ounces) fudge brownie mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup milk chocolate chips
1 cup mini marshmallows
48 bear-shaped graham snacks





Directions:

1. With adult help: Set the oven to 325 F. Spray the cups of the Deluxe Mini-Muffin Pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Put the brownie mix in the Classic (2 qt.)Batter Bowl. Add the oil, egg and water. Mix with the Bamboo Spoon about 50 times. The batter will be a little lumpy. Using the Small Scoop (1 tbs.), put 1 scoop of batter into each muffin cup. Each cup should be about 1/2 full.

3. With adult help: Bake the brownie cups for 13 to 14 minutes or until the edges of the brownie cups are set. Using Oven Mitts, carefully remove the pan from the oven and put it on a cooling rack. Gently press about 5 chocolate chips, 3 mini marshmallows and 2 bear graham snacks in each brownie cup. Let the brownie cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove them from the pan. Enjoy! Makes 24 brownie bites.