Mardi Gras Fun! {In Pictures}

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panCAKES!!

King CAKE!!!!

Andrew found the Mardi Gras coin! He gets good luck for a year!! (Because Publix didn't have the BABY...ugh. Bakery fail. Going back to making my own King Cakes next year!

Now that we are all in a sugar coma....

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Happy Mardi Gras!!

Menu Changes, Giving Up, and Taking On

Yes! It is Mardi Gras!! This means, of course, that Taco Tuesday will be replaced with PANCAKES!! And King Cake for dessert! YUM...

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But, Taco Tuesday will return. However, other days will have to be changed around and all. Because after Mardi Gras, the Season of Lent begins. Are you ready?

Hmm. Maybe you aren't entirely sure what Lent is... This may help explain it better than I could -

"Lent is a time to stop and reflect. It is a time to grow closer to Christ, through prayer and fasting, through abstinence and almsgiving. The different ways to do this are as unique and varied as the individuals who make the practice. Let’s chat about the ways we hope to draw closer to the Lord as we enter the 40 days leading up to Easter." from Blessed Is She

Ok, now that is taken care of, let's get down to business. I know... There is just already SO MUCH going on at the House (this one and the new one!) that maybe we don't want to add anything else to our long list. But, that's not what this is about...what we want...is it? And, looking back at the past month and a half of all the amazing things that have been happening within our family, I'd say we owe MUCH more than just a change in the menu plans.

For the Mama

The "commercial" side of giving something up:
This is going to sound insane... But, I have done this before... I am giving up - GASP! - Target. Yep. The big red store of amazing goodies in every aisle and on every end cap. But, it could be easier this time... I don't currently need/want anything because we are moving (that will change once we move LOL I'm kidding, honey! Maybe.). But, still. I love that place. So, it will be hard. But, our wallet will look better.

And, since this goes hand-in-hand... I'm also giving up the specialty coffee drinks. I can drink coffee at home. I don't need that "special" cuppa while I'm out. I have an awesome travel mug. Hello?

Personal/Spiritual Renewal:
I have GOT to stop worrying so much. About everything. This Baby #4 is going to be fine. We ARE going to move before Andrew starts Kindergarten. We ARE getting that amazing house. I know all of these things. But, still. Apparently, I like to worry. But, technically technically I need to not do that. And, besides...it's in Matthew anyway. So there. Not allowed. This will be VERY hard for me...

On the flip side... During our Madonna and Child meeting last week, it was said that when you have a hard time with whatever it is that you are giving up/improving/etc, give it up to God. So, instead of my obnoxious worrying, I plan to counteract it with a prayer of thanks instead. Ann Voskamp has that down for sure! 

For the Husbands:
 
I'm not entirely sure what his plans are this Lenten Season. But here are some ideas for those men out there. Last year (maybe the year before, too), Jason did an awesome job (way better than me) at praying the Rosary every night before bed. Maybe you could pray for your wife everyday? Or your kids? Maybe give up that plate of meat one extra night (not just on Fridays)? Maybe even give up your lunch and go to a Daily Mass instead? 

There are a TON of things that your husband can do for Lent. Maybe he just needs a prayer of guidance?

For the Boys:

Holy Heroes Lenten Adventure - I JUST signed up for this while looking for something for them to try. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I will get an email for the activity of the day: a video, activity page, daily prayer, etc. It is for 5-12 year-olds. Andrew can definitely do this. Alex may need some help, but he can join in on the fun. And, Austin...he can have a few crayons and some paper. He has to be in EVERYTHING these days.

We are also going to try to read a bible story every night from the Jesus Calling Storybook Bible. The boys love the pictures and Jason and I love the prayer/questions that are at the end of each story. Win-win for all.

Ah, Lent. It is a good time of the year, isn't it? A time for change and growing closer to the One that is making it all happen (whether or not you see it just yet).

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Do you need some help with ideas? Try this flow chart out! Oh, it is great. If that was too goofy, check out what others have planned over at Blessed Is She.

Happy Mardi Gras!!

Happy March!

Welcome to the first week of March!

{Saturday}

 Austin LOVES his bouncy!

Sleepy Daddy and Baby

Taco Party with out besties!

{Sunday}

 First walk to welcome the sunny weather!! And, yes, Austin has learned how to wave. Though, I think it is just coincidental for the moment.

{Monday}

 Austin LOVES to play!!

{Tuesday - Mardi Gras!}

 

  Beads!!!

Mama decked out in purple, green, and gold!

Pancakes for our Fat Tuesday dinner - yum :)

{Wednesday - Ash Wednesday}

 

 The bigger ones still think it is Mardi Gras. 

My tea cup knows what day it is though! Check that out. My tea bag tag says, "RENEW" - how's that for the start of Lent!

Yes, Austin plays, plays, plays! But he does love a good catnap. 

{Thursday - Mother's Tea}

 My sweet little gentleman and I at school for a Mother's Tea and Luncheon.

For pictures and a video, click here!

{Friday}

 A quick run to the doc to find out that Alex had croup and Austin had a perforated ear drum. Sweet. Right before our trip... Good thing we drove.

{Saturday}

 

Love baby feet!

Mardi Gras!

Woot! Happy Mardi Gras!!! Ok, just pretend yesterday is today for a bit while you check out my little baker man. Andy is such an awesome helper in the kitchen. He's a lot more hand on now that he is claiming he is a "big kid." 

 

We make Paula Deen's King Cake Cupcakes yesterday. They were delicious!

 I had to share this sprinkle picture... See, for whatever reason Publix wasn't carrying yellow and purple sprinkles. They weren't sold out. There wasn't even a spot for them on the shelf. Boo. Lame. So, I headed to the bakery. How weird will it be to ask to buy sprinkles? I wasn't even sure if you could do that. But, yay! $3 later and I have LOTS of sprinkles! Cheaper than buying each color in whatever brand name. Yay, Publix!

My sweet little helper man. He loves putting the liners in and organizing the ingredients on the counter for me.

This was the next job he had to do. I unrolled the crescent rolls and he added the spoonfuls of  the brown sugar, cinnamon, raisin, and pecan mixture. He did a great job, too!

All rolled up and ready to go into the oven!

All done! Don't they look delicious?! 

This Week's Eats

Welcome to a week of partying and fasting!? Yes, we are entering the week where the carnival season ends, the season of Lent begins, and Valentine's day. I hope no one went crazy and gave up sweets! ;) Anyway, you will notice that our menus will have a lot more seafood/vegetarian items due to our Fridays of abstaining from meat. Now, on to the menu!

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Menu Plan

Picture from Mardi Gras Going Away Party

{Monday}

 Beef and Asparagus Pasta

{Mardi Gras}

Pancakes and Bacon

King Cake

{Ash Wednesday}

Salmon with Brown Sugar Glaze

{Thursday}

Basil Chicken and Veggies

{Friday}

Baked Sole with Tomatoes and Garlic

{Saturday}

Leftovers

{Sunday}

Lazy Crock Pot Mushroom Chicken