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by | Dec 29, 2022

Cupcakes of Catan


I’m still working on sorting through all the pictures and creating a post from our oldest son’s 12th “Settlers of Catan” themed birthday this past Friday, but I thought I would pop in real and share a few pictures of his “cake.”  I decided that, instead of making an actual cake, it would be easiest to just use cupcakes, representing all the individual pieces that make up the board game.   You can find all sorts of versions/inspiration through a google image search.  Here is what we came up with for our “Cupcakes of Catan!”

Supplies:

37 Cupcakes
1 batch of Buttercream Frosting, divided
Blue, Green, and Yellow Food Coloring
Blue Sprinkles
Brown Sugar
1 Candy (i.e. Spice Drop) for Robber
Blue Gel Icing (just a dab)
5 Oreo Cookies (we went with a generic brand
1/2 cup Mini Marshmallows
1/4 cup Twizzler Cherry Bites
1/4 cup Honey Smacks Cereal
Couple handfulls of Pretzel Sticks


Directions: 

Decorate Cupcakes.
  • Ocean – 18 Cupcakes frosted blue, topped with blue sprinkles
  • Desert – 1 Cupcakes topped with white frosting, brown sugar, a little blue icing for the Oasis, and a candy (we used a spice drop) for the Robber
  • Ore – 3 Cupcakes frosted white, topped with crushed Oreo’s
  • Brick – 3 Cupcakes frosted white, topped with Twizzler Cherry Bites
  • Wood – 4 Cupcakes frosted green, topped with a pile of Pretzel Sticks
  • Sheep – 4 Cupcakes frosted green, topped with Mini Marshmallows
  • Wheat – 4 Cupcakes frosted yellow, topped with Honey Smacks
Arrange in the shape of a Hexagon.


It actually didn’t take very long at all to decorate all the cupcakes, and ended up being one of our easiest birthday cakes yet.   Captain was very excited when he woke up and discovered his cake early Friday morning!  

{this moment}

Do you see what I see?   
Bud wanted to make sure that his big brother didn’t get all the attention on his 12th birthday today!   I’ll be back later with pictures from the party… right now I need to finish getting ready!   

Blessings

These beautiful roses, sent from a friend, arrived Tuesday afternoon!

I only have a couple minutes since I am watching my little niece again today and have a birthday party to get ready for tomorrow, but I wanted to thank you all again and give you an update.  It was a difficult couple days, as I waited for the results from my ultrasound, but last night the doctor finally called with some good news!  Everything looks normal and they didn’t see any liver damage, tumors, or other problems. We still don’t know what’s causing my high numbers and symptoms, but now all the really scary things have been ruled out!

Thank you all so very much for all the prayers. I know they made a difference!

Deo Gratias! 

A Simple Caramel Applesauce Crown Cake

… to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel!
Caramel Applesauce Crown Cake
Ingredients:
3 eggs
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup oil
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 fresh apple, grated or chopped (skin left on is okay)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Caramel sauce (optional)
Directions:
Heat oven to 350˚ F. Grease and flour a bundt cake pan.  (I choose a beautiful Marian Fleur de Lis Bundt Pan for our crown cake. )   
Combine all ingredients and mix well.
Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes.  Cake is done when toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  

Cool for 5 minutes and remove from pan.   Cool completely and then top with caramel sauce.

*This cake can also be baked in a 9×13 pan for 35-40 minutes, or 2 -9″ round layers for 30-35 minutes. 

*You can find my beautiful Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Statue here

May Our Lady of Mount Carmel bless you, and May God reward you all for your prayers, encouragement, and kindness!  I am so blessed! 

My Daybook :: July 15, 2012

Outside my window…
we headed down to the river Friday afternoon and finally walked the “new” river trail/greenway that we have been meaning to check out for the past 5 years!  I can’t believe it has taken us so long… The big kids all rode their scooters, while Hubby pushed the little ones in the stroller and I snapped a few pictures along the way.  It had been an emotional week for me and it was just the type of outing I needed to cheer me up!

I am thinking…        
about blood tests and doctors appointments.  The week before last I went in to see my doctor since I just haven’t been feeling well (on top of the panic attacks I was starting to have I also have been extremely tired – more than I should be even with 7 little ones – among other problems) so we decided to do some blood work.  On Monday I found out that my liver counts were really high and I was called back in to the doctors for more blood work and an exam on Wednesday.  Thursday and Friday I was called with the various results from the second set of tests… Thankfully I do not have hepatitis, but the other test came back even higher than it did the first week and I will be going in for an ultrasound of my liver on Tuesday morning.   Please keep me in your prayers!  

I am thankful… 
that For Greater Glory is finally playing at our theatre!  My Aunt Bridget (who I am so very thankful for too!) came over, bringing along her delicious French Toast Bake for the kids to have for breakfast,  and watched all the kids so Hubby and I could go watch the matinee showing.   What an inspiring, and incredibly moving, epic film about the Cristero War and Mexico’s struggle for religious freedom!   If you haven’t seen it yet, you must!

Learning all the time… 
Swimming lessons (and doctors appointments) pretty much took over our life for the past two weeks.  We would leave the house just after nine in the morning and not get back home until after two or three in the afternoon.   Then it would be time to do chores, make dinner, and get ready for the next day!  It was worth it though and all the kids have really improved with their swimming! The big kids all did excellent working on the various strokes, while Snuggles and Rose worked on the life saving skills of learning what to do (roll over onto their back, and getting the wall) after jumping/falling into the water.

Snuggles jumping from the diving board, rolling over and floating on his back! 
Lifesaving Day 2012
Graduation Day

Celebrating the liturgical year… 
the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is coming up on Monday!   I am hoping that we will be able to make it to Mass in the morning, and then perhaps I will be able to make another Scapular Cake for the kids.  Can I do it without being tempted to eat any of it?

From the kitchen… 
lots of organic leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, green teas, and all the other foods that help cleanse the liver naturally.    

I am creating… 
our summer unit study based on the Olympics, still.  Our copy of G is for Gold Medal: An Olympic Alphabet arrived and I can’t wait to share it with the kids.  It is such a great book!   I’ve been working on coming up with a lapbook mini-book or worksheet for each page of the Alphabet book, as well as additional books to read, activities, and even some snacks.  It is going to be fun!

I am working on… 
creating a clear copyright statement for my blog.  This past week I happened to run across pictures of my children and family re-posted on a few out of country Facebook pages and blogs.  Despite the good intentions of the blogger(s), it was upsetting and had me questioning whether I want to even continue blogging or not.    This has happened quite a few times before, mainly with craft and food pictures, which doesn’t bother me as much, but all pictures are copyrighted and out of respect for me and my family I ask that you kindly ask for permission before using a picture, and wait for me to respond granting permission.  Thank you!

I am going… 
to postpone this year’s Online Curriculum Sale Blog Hop.  I had hoped to have the linky up tomorrow, but I just won’t have the time to host it this week…  I  think I will just keep the dates the same as they were last year – that should give me enough time to prepare:

I am hoping… 
for some good news following my ultrasound on Tuesday, if it is God’s will.  

I am reading… 
Why Children Matter by Johann Christoph Arnold, which just arrived in the mail!  Thank you so much, JenniferAnne!

I am praying… 
for God’s grace and guidance.

Pondering these words…
from St. Rome of Lime, which I happened to read in my lovely daily planner as I was writing in my ultrasound appointment for next week:

“Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggles increase.”

I am listening…  
to my kids yell at Ferdinand to “let go of that poor little bird!!!!!”

Around the house… 
new Summer Bingo cards for this coming week.   You can find my documents here.

One of my favorite things…  
planning our curriculum for each new school year.  I am dying to have a chance to get back to finalizing our plans for this coming year… Hopefully I will have a chance soon!

A few plans for this week…

  • Celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
  • Watch my little niece Tuesday-Thursday (just during the day)
  • Ultrasound early Tuesday morning (please say a prayer for me!)
  • Playdate with friends Tuesday afternoon
  • Well-child check-ups for Captain, Chiquita & Bud
  • Celebrate Captain’s 12th Birthday

A little peek at my day…

Summer Bingo {Our 2012 Cards/Printables}

I have been asked by some of you to share my updated version of our original Summer Bingo.   I’m sorry it has taken me so long to get to, but on top of not having any extra time online I was trying to figure out how to create a fillable pdf to share with you all and I just don’t seem to have the right software.  Instead I’ve uploaded pdfs of my files, along with blank versions…  Hopefully that will help get you started!

Small Blank Summer Bingo Card Template pdf:Bingo2



Older Kids Sample Bingo Card pdf (plus blank pdf):
(I have been printing these 2 to a page)

Summer Bingo Big Kids



Younger Kids Sample Bingo Card pdf (plus blank pdf):
(also printed 2 to a page)

Summer Bingo Little Kids

Once again I modified the rules and prize options for my children: 
Summer Bingo Rules

You can find a list of ideas for filling the squares in this past post of mine. This year my kids cards are filled with mostly summer school activities and extra chores since I created a separate “Summer Bucket List” that we are working on completing as well.

Our Family’s 2012 Summer Bucket List (plus blank pdf):
Summer Bucket List



I posted the Rules and Bingo Cards in the kitchen on our pantry door:



Hope you are all enjoying the summer! 

6 Patriotic Treats for the 4th of July

The last few years we have celebrated the 4th of July at our dear friends home! Winfield and Janet, along with their two great kids, are only here part of the year now (Winfield is a pilot and is based on the other side of the country) but we are so happy that they are back for the summer!  I usually bring desserts to the party, and this year I think we went a little overboard, despite my initial fail.  You think? 😉   Even so, everything was perfect, and we only came home with just half of the trifle!   
.: 4th of July Ice Cream Cones :.
Sugar cones dipped in melted white chocolate and rolled in sprinkles
Served with Vanilla White or Strawberry Red Ice Cream
(these were a hit with the kids AND adults!) 


.: Red, White and Blueberry Trifle :. 

White cake, blueberries, whip cream and strawberries
layered in a trifle bowl!  So pretty and easy
 
.: Red Licorice :.
(leftover) Red Licorice wrapped in bundles with these free Printable Napkin Rings
(inspiration found here)
.: Sparkler Pretzel Rods :.

Pretzel Rods dipped in melted white chocolate and decorated with sprinkles

.: Red, White, and Blue Berries :.

Strawberries (washed and dried completely) dipped in melted white chocolate and blue sprinkles

(I ran across this idea online, and it looks like Charlotte made them this year too, along with all their awesome t-shirts!  One of these years we need to try painting t-shirts.  I love how theirs turned out, especially the patriotic cupcake for that cute-as-can-be-god-daughter of ours!) 
.: United States Flag Cupcakes :.

White Cupcakes decorated with whipped cream, sliced strawberries and blueberries
(as an alternative to last year’s flag cake
God bless America! 

Our Family

Sean & Jessica, Captain-24, Ranger-22, Twinkle Toes-21, Chiquita-19, Snuggles-17, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-7 and Joy-5 (blog nicknames)

A Little About Me

Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

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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.


Our Family

Sean & Jessica, Captain-24, Ranger-22, Twinkle Toes-21, Chiquita-19, Snuggles-17, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-7 and Joy-5 (blog nicknames)

A Little About Me

Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

Enter our current giveaways:

Wooden Advent Wreath (Ends 11/19/2024)

Lord, Have Mercy (Ends 11/25/2024)

St. Nicholas Giveaway (Ends 11/26/2024)

Advent Book Basket (coming soon)

O Antiphons (coming soon)

My Other Blog: Catholic Cuisine

Please Visit My Sponsors…

This Week's Popular Posts

Shower of Roses Affiliate Links

All About Spelling
All About Reading
All About Reading Pre-reading
All About Reading Giveaways
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Advent & Christmas Books

Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guides

Looking for Something?

looking-back

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  • 2009 (486)
  • 2008 (564)
  • 2007 (148)

Posts About:

Shower of Roses Alphabet of Saints

A Papal Unit Study & Lap Book

Shower of Roses Easter Gift Guides



All Saints Party Printables

All original photographs and written material are ©2007-2025 Shower of Roses. I'd love for you to link back to me, but please do not copy or take content from this blog without permission. Click here for my Copyright Terms & Conditions. Thank you for visiting!