Art at the Abby

 

We recently stumbled upon an invitation in our Sunday Bulletin for a Kid's Art Retreat at the Abby of St. Walburga in Virginia Dale, CO.  I had been meaning to visit for some time. The kids of course chided their complaints when I told them about the adventure, they thanked me the next day (even the teenagers).  It was a huge success!

We arrived early to hear the Benedictine Nuns in full habit singing the Psalms in their Southwest style chapel.  They sing all 150 throughout each week, I was told by Sister Maria Josepha, a really fun spunky nun, who professed missing summer dresses during the hot day as we were shuttling art supplies. I am betting she and the other Contemplative Benedictine Nuns have endured much more in sacrifice for Love of Christ. 

Our visit was full of fun surprises!  The kids made wonderful clay multi-dimensional figures, and learned a lot about how the working Ranch ran equipped with: Grass-Fed Belted Galloway Cattle, 3 Llama's, a few dogs, an "Awesome Garden" (my teen son's description), Green Grassy Meadows full of Alfalfa Hay and a beautiful setting only God could manifest.  They witnessed a nun riding a tractor, and a Llama named Diablo (this was HilaRRilous to them!), one boy tried out his dad's Fire Rescue moves by picking up a girl that was injured by a rock and carrying her the rest of the hike.  They had a great time, my kids were complimented for being very respectful and the term "gentleman" was even used (always a good day for a parent- I may still be beaming).  My one and only daughter was amazed.  She thought "nuns only prayed."  They got a chuckle out of this, and I pondered it later thinking her only input on Nun's lifestyle comes from Mother Angelica, on EWTN, or a movie about a Saint.  So seeing a working ranch run by Nuns was quite the eye opening experience for her.

I intend to go back again soon, next time for a retreat, an over-nighter, complete with breakfast and dinner.  I missed the stations of the cross, on the hill above the guest facility. I look forward to singing the psalms and seeing that beautiful valley full of gorgeous 360 views.  A little piece of Heaven here on Earth.  Thanks so much for a great experience for my kiddos, maybe it has sparked a vocation for one of them?

We still have a few questions for them:  Do they kill the rattle snakes they encounter?  Do they kill flies?  We were sure the commandment "thou shall not kill" didn't pertain to these creatures. 

Upcoming Events and Retreats at the Abby

St.Walburga

We also visited another Nothern Colorado Gem- The Red Feather Lakes, a few of the above pics are from our visit to this tiny town, that is adorable.  There are plenty of lake and Rocky Mountain views to soak up.  It's food for the soul, I am convinced!

Red Feather Lakes, CO

When Life Gives you Sour Cherries....Make Tart Cherry Crumb Cake.

It all began when my father-in-law asked me if I wanted some cherries....the correct answer to that loaded question is always YES!!   So then I must paruse the internet for recipes.  I found a gold-mine with many different types of recipes (I'll share I promise).  The first one I wanted to try called for pie crust which I have not perfected yet and didn't have any pie crust in the "I-can't-make-a-decent-pie-crust" tube.  So I went to plan B from Martha (funny our gospel this last Sunday was about Martha and Mary- Mary picking the Better Part Lk 10:38-42).   Martha Stewart gave me the prefect platform for my little tart cherries to shine.  Here it goes. 

 

The Moose was a wedding present.  He's pretty cool, and a fun addition to a family full of kids who make lots of messes!  If you would like to help us name him, please put your suggestion in the comments.  How in the world have we not named this dude??  We have been  married 10 years. 

 

butter and flouring the pan.

mixing the crumb topping

 

My best helper!! Whenever the whirl of this machines humms, this guy comes running. 

He is my #1 taste tester~ waiting... kind-of patiently.

 

Cake batter,

Stir in the cherries.

 

Into the pan,

 Ready to bake

 crumb topping - check!

 

And in you go, you sour little treasures~

 

Arrr, my helper is now Capt Hook! Blimey!

 

Soo...I guess I use to eat butter when I was younger, he comes by it honestly. 

 As you can see he could use the extra calories. 

 

 

And Viola, some sweet-tart cherry crumb cake...Thanks Martha.  

The crumb cake was heavenly!

 

You can find the fab recipe here. Sour Cherry Crumb Cake by Martha Stewart.

 

10 Delish Tart Cherry Recipes...check them out!

 

 

 



I make a MEAN Bloody MARY!! Thanks to my friend Lisa !!

My 8 year old daughter came home the other day from her summer bible camp "Totus Tuus" citing the real name behind one of my favorite libations. It's a bit dark so I will spare you the details.  I will however share the recipe from my great friend Lisa.  She went to Steamboat Springs, Colorado and came back to dish this amazing version of the Bloody Mary...the drink version.  We had it over a long weekend at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado while the kids played and enjoyed every activity under the sun (kickball, putt putt golf, biking, rock climbing, swimming, soccer, bingo, tie-dyes and capture the flag- deep breath!!!)  It's pretty much the best place to take kids EVER!!! Check it out, and while you plan your family's next getaway, make yourself this Bloody Mary and enjoy a bit of heaven here on earth!

Plan your trip to the YMCA of the Rockies

You will need:

ZingZang Bloody Mary Mix 

(no substitutions!)

Crushed Ice

 1T Rose's Sweetened Lime Juice

 1 shot (or 2) Good Vodka

 1/2 t Celery Salt

 1T Worcestershire

and olives, celery, whatever garnishes you prefer.

This is the perfect "hair of the dog" (when you had a little too much the night before) as well as a fun brunch cocktail (think Bloody Mary Bar) and of course when you aren't in the mood for something that's going to put you into a sugar coma.

Enjoy this Heavenly Bloody Mary!

Look what I made....

I made my very first rosary Monday in my Catholic Assault Vehicle (CAV for short).  The twins were at soccer practice while the younger kiddos played at the playground.  It was a win-win-win. My friend, Ann, and I had been talking about teaching me to make a rosary for some time. (Okay for 5 years - can you say procrastination?) So we finally made it happen.  I agreed to pick out some beads and forgot.  Luckily she is not as scatterbrained as I...so we used all her cool beads and created a master piece.  Viola!!  It's not as easy as it looks! I dropped beads after stringing a bunch!  I didn't cuss, which I think would defeat the purpose...yeah probably!  I forgot an "our father" bead completely!  But it's still my very first and most beautiful rosary I ever made.

My daughter and I have been saying a rosary every evening together, her idea...she is pretty great!  And we made one for her, it has lots of Pink in it.  We are hooked.  My friend Margaret, came by yesterday and we chatted about religious freedom while waiting for our super delish Chick-fil-A (HHR mandate be damned) and then proceeded to think up a "Rosary for Religious Freedom".  We are working on it...so stay tuned.  Why not start saying your rosary for the intention of US Religious Freedom?  The mandate goes into affect Jan 1, 2014, unless we flood the gates of heaven with prayer. We can do all things through HIM.  We call our rosaries our weapons at our house!  The meditation can move mountains.  You can almost feel them move- in your heart that is.  It's easy, during a car trip, between loads of laundry, while making dinner, during a hike (one priest told me not to do it while exercising - so I stopped doing that - multi-tasking taken too far!) at the beginning or end of your day.  Give Our Lady some time, meditate on her Son's:  passion, life, miracles.  I guarantee you will see a change...and then you will want to keep that feeling of lightness and love in your heart.  So you will be hooked, like us. (we could totally make a book like "If you Give a Pig a Pancake" about this).  See book here  Hope your day is Heavenly!!!

Sidenote: We saw the most amazing cloud on the way to soccer that night, it looked like giant angel wings with a rainbow beneath.  It was pretty much AWESOME!

Here is my favorite site w/ lots of options for an easy daily rosary.

Here is an awesome compilation of mp3s of the Holy Most Blessed AWESOME Rosary

Hikes are Good for the Soul

We got out into nature this week.  We had company which is always a great excuse to share the beauty your area uniquely possesses.  My favorite perk was our children unplugging from videos, texting, gaming and enjoying the beauty and fresh air.  We hiked our favorite hike in a nearby forest.  I think of course of the little girl in the radio ad...discover the forest. org.  There is so much truth to the freedom, imagination and experience of wildlife.  We watched fat chipmunks climb into nearby places,and scoring an apple.  It was hilarious!  We happened upon a Canadian Goose family: 2 adults and 3 baby ducklings.  We found gorgeous flowers!  The best part after a long 3 mile hike up and down some rough terrain was a shallow creek with a beautiful waterfall!  We soaked our tired feet, we splashed and rested.  Life was GOOD!!

Get out in Nature - click here to find a forest near you

Santo Subito

Pope John Paul II (1978-2005)

When Pope John Paul II died the faithful chanted in St. Peter's square,"Santo Subito" (sainthood now).  Today July 5, 2013 Pope Francis has approved the canonization of this beloved and Godly man.  He lived his life as a testament with courage and zeal.

I heard the news this morning at First Friday mass...it made my heart soar.  The two miracles: A nun cured completely of Parkinson's Disease ( a disease which also afflicted the late pope), and the second a Costa Rican woman fully recovered from a brain injury.  In a day and age where we can get everything practically instantly and have complete conversations by typing (texting) and posting photos of ourselves for all to see (selfies).  I feel we block off ourselves from true greatness and goodness of God.  We have so much noise in our ears, our hearts are unable to connect. (see Screwtape by CS Lewis)

We watch movies about heroes that are fictional.  In real life there are men and women with real super powers.  Their powers come from God alone, and they preform miracles!  They are vastly better than Superman, Spiderman, the Hulk and all the Cullen family combined.   A Saint is God's superhero!

May John Paul II's canonization be a reflection of how Love, great love,  Forgiving love (he forgave the man who shot him), Self sacrificing love...conquers all!  It conquers even death, for John Paul II is fully alive with our King, Jesus Christ, in a Kingdom we cannot fathom!

Hope your day is heavenly!

read more here...

Prayer Warrior

Daily Prayer is the most important "to do" on my list. If I fail at connecting with God, I have some pretty useless days. I am the most mindful and productive when I have laid my day before God and made adjustments after our meeting. My favorite meditation is the Daily Rosary.  I found the audio (mp3) versions at catholicdoors.com to be the best and they have a plethora of options to choose. It helps my rosary meditation stay on task.  The Rosary with scripture of the mystery between Hail Mary beads keeps my mind from wandering off into my other "to dos."  As often as possible I pepper my day with prayer, connection and mindfulness. If I feel like I am off I reset with prayer even a quick one of "please help me" will do in a pinch.  Another recipe for peace in our home has been spa or classical music at pandora playing through out the day.  It helps soothe my mind.   The painting below is by a child prodigy, Akiane. If you have not heard her story please visit her website.  The painting of Jesus has an amazing story in the book God is for Real.

Akiane's Website

Audio Rosary @ catholicdoors.com

Open Door, Akaine (age 18)

Hope your day is heavenly!!

Texas Carviar for the Fourth

My friend Jamie visited yesterday. We all should have that friend... The one that feeds your soul with their conversation and heart! I love this friend and I love how our children even have that bond of togetherness and joy. They go into their own world of imagination while we catch up. So I made this Texas Caviar recipe for her, and we chatted about important and unimportant things. We chopped together, and laughed and didn't even eat lunch because...well this stuff is addictive. Enjoy the Fourth with your family and friends! http://www.lulupowers.com/blog/2011/08/31/texas-caviar/