Today was the first “free” Saturday we have had in months (the boys Hockey lessons just changed from Saturday to Wednesday) so the plan was to spend the day working in the yard and cleaning out our little detached garage (so we have somewhere to move our kitchen/dining furniture, washer/dryer, etc. when we begin our remodel) and then have our second Good Shepherd’s Garden Party.
I knew that it was going to be a busy day, and that I wouldn’t have much time to spend in the kitchen, so I made a few little revisions, to further simplify the menu, and picked up a couple take-n-bake pizzas (while I was in town getting gas for our lawn mower) so that we could have our Garden Pizza Party for dinner.
We all enjoyed the party and I am so glad that this year’s plans seem to be working out so well for our family! It is so much easier for me to plan and prepare, it gives my children something to look forward to and work towards all week, and it is so nice that Hubby can join the celebration!
Here are a few pictures from this week’s party:
~ The Table and Chairs ~
Captain helped me set the table and decorated the chairs with streamers.
~ The Bread ~
Instead of baking the cute Lamb of God Rolls, I simplified by using the 16 frozen dinner rolls I had in my freezer to make another bunch of grapes like we made for the
feast of St. Joseph.
~ The Honey ~
~ The Wine ~
Chiquita made our Sparkling White Grape Juice…
… and Twinkle Toes skewered the grapes and added them to the wine glasses.
It turned out very good, and even Snuggles who at first wouldn’t try it insisting that “I no like GRAPES!” asked for seconds thirds.
~ The Fruit ~
See, I wasn’t kidding when I said that I simplified this menu! We’ll save our 12 Fruit Salad for
Pentecost Sunday.
~ The Milk ~
This was the highlight of the menu to be sure! I served vanilla ice cream, and let the children make their own sundaes. What a treat!
Please ignore the sunglasses… I’m not sure where those came from?!? He wasn’t wearing them when we all sat down for dinner! That little guy keeps us entertained at the table CONSTANTLY!!
~ The Pizza ~
I wasn’t planning on including a picture of our pizza in my post. But really, it was SO GOOD! I picked up a Hawaiian Pizza for my children (their favorite) and decided to use my $4.99 coupon for a DeLite (thin crust) Pizza for Hubby and I. I think I have a new favorite pizza… Papa Murphy’s new Chicken Pesto Pizza is delicious!! I substituted Spinach for the green onions, but I am sure it would be good either way.
Well, it is getting late and I need to get the children’s Mass clothes ready for tomorrow and then try and get a little sleep. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s Garden Parties over at Catholic Cuisine on Monday!
Prayer of Mothers
Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.
Rose is adorable! What a smile in that last shot of her. Our youngest likes his sunglasses too 🙂 Snuggles is really growing up! Everything looks so yummy.
I can apprecite your need to modify the plans.
The pizza look delicious!
Pax Christi – lena
Love the sunglasses! =)
We had such a fun time at our garden party again this week! This is truly blessing our family! I think the no matter what, whether one can follow the menu exactly or needs to modify, the beauty of celebrating the ENTIRE season of Easter as a family is the same.
I really like those DeLite pizzas, too … Yummy!