Summer HOLIDAY Fun

Top 20 Best Summer Holiday Recipes & Activities: 

Summer Holiday Pinterest Board:

Head over to the Summer Recipes Pinterest board now and check it out.

Summer RECIPE Fun

Top 20 Best Summer Recipes : 

Summer Recipes Pinterest Board:

Head over to the Summer Recipes Pinterest board now and check it out.




Great Summer Recipes Websites:

Kraft Kids Recipes

Kid Friendly Recipes at AllRecipes

Fun Creative Snacks for Kids at Little Nummies

Great Snack and Recipe Ideas at Snack Picks

Disney's Spoonful Kids' Recipes

Linking up with:

Summer CRAFTS Fun Collection

Top 20 Best Summer Craft Activities: 

Summer Craft Pinterest Board:

Head over to the Summer Science Pinterest board now and check it out.



Great Summer Craft Websites:

One Artsy Mama Holiday Crafts

DLTK's Crafts for Kids

Enchanted Learning Crafts

Crafts for Kids

Disney Crafts for Kids

Kids and Chores: Our Family Is A Team

Kids and Chores: Our Family Is A Team

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." 

Galatians 6:2

I've seen a variety of posts about chores that different children do at designated ages in the home. I decided to give you all an inside look at how we share tasks and responsibilities in our home. 

I stress to my children how important working together is. I explain that we need to all help one another and share responsibilities. This is true not only in our home but in Christ's church as well. 

Right now my children are 2, 4, 5, and 7 years old. I have not implemented a chore chart.....yet. *gasp* I know, I know. Right now I have focused on training my children to do specific tasks around the house. Once my children have learned a task well enough to do it on their own it becomes a responsibility. They have a few minor responsibilities they are expected to do daily, but instead of having a daily or weekly chore chart we have cleaning days. These days are inserted into our schedule at random when we have a free day to clean the house together.  Usually this is about once a week but due to an ever-changing schedule we haven't been able to select one specific day for this. 

At their age, I've found it's more successful to go room by room and give each person a task to do so everyone works together as a team. If I have to leave to go to another room I give my older three specific tasks to do and when they're done with that task, assign another. For example, instead of saying "Cleaning the living room." I give a specific task to each person such as "Joshua: Put all the cushion and pillows on the couch." "Trinity: Gather up any shoes and put them on the shoe rack." etc. 

Just the other day we worked in the kitchen together. It was still a big mess from when we were all sick. I instructed them on what dishes could go in the dishwasher (there are certain items that can't be washed). Not only did I instruct them on WHAT can go in the dishwasher, but WHERE they go and how to load it. As they brought me dirty dishes I quizzed them and asked them where certain items should go. They had fun with it. One more time of instructing them and they should be able to work on loading the dishwasher themselves. 

In addition to loading the dishwasher, we set up a dishwashing assembly line. I washed the dishes and set them on a drying mat by the sink. Brenden and Trinity dried those dishes with towels and then handed them to Joshua who looked them over to make sure they were dry and laid them on the table to be put away. 

Here are a list of jobs I ask my children to do on cleaning days. We usually pick one or two rooms to do on a cleaning day and do not do all these at once.  Tasks that are BLUE are ones that they are expected to do daily. 

LAUNDRY

Things they know how to do:

• Bring Laundry downstairs and put the clothing in my laundry cart (hamper)
• Bring Laundry to the washer for me to examine and wash.
• Unload Dryer
• Fold Laundry
• Load dryer

Things they will be instructed to do in the near future:

• Examine clothes for stains.
• Use stain remover

KITCHEN

Things they know how to do:

• Take dirty dishes to the sink.
• Wipe down the kitchen table
• Wipe down kitchen chairs
• Help with loading the dishwasher
• Help unload the dishwasher
• Help dry handwashed dishes
• Scrub floors with scrub brush

Things they will be instructed to do in the near future:

• Load dishwasher independently (working on that now)
• Unload dishwasher independently (working on that now)
• Empty trash and reline garbage can with new bag (It's a pretty big bag which is why we haven't covered that).
• Sweep (We've been working on this; it's a work in progress....they haven't mastered using the broom yet, but they're getting better)

ENTRYWAY

Things they know how to do:

• Hang up bookbags
• Hang up coats
• Put shoes on shoe rack

KIDS BEDROOMS

Things they know how to do:

• Put toys in bins
• Clothes in their hamper
• Garbage in trash
• Make their beds
• Empty trash
• Vacuum

BATHROOM

Things they know how to do:

• Wipe down sink
• Wipe down toilet
• Pick up garbage (toilet paper, etc)
• Clothes in hamper
• Empty trash

Things they will be instructed to do in the near future:

• Scrub the tub

LIVING ROOM

Things they know how to do:

• Vacuum
• Straighten couch cushions
• Take toys to their room
• Put away misc items

On cleaning days I like to add some incentive for a job well done and usually give them a reward at the end of the day. Something simple like, extra TV time, extra long bubble bath, etc. Daily responsibilities are not something I reward, but will definitely make sure to praise a job well done. 

One thing that was hard for me was letting go of control and accepting their help. God taught me that I needed to be including them more in helping out around the house. I needed to teach them responsibilities and stop having them rely solely on me. He taught me this when I injured my ankle and couldn't do a lot things on my own.  It's soooo much easier to do everything myself and the job is usually done right and quickly. However, my children are going to have a difficult time learning to be responsible if they don't help out around the house now and grow used to having someone do everything for them. Now that we've been working on certain tasks for awhile and they've improved their skills it's actually less of a burden, and they are truly helping me. So take my advice:

"Give praise often, don't redo a job in front of them, don't expect perfection, have patience and remember they want to please you." <--- Tweet This

Over the summer I believe I will have tasks on our cleaning days that the kids can "sign up" for. We did this at church camp with our cabin "duties." We'll see how it goes and I'll be sure to share that. 

A few things I really like about cleaning together as a family, instead of everyone working on their own, is that it keeps everyone motivated and on task. It also ensures that nobody is sneaking about getting into trouble while Mom's in another room cleaning. If we're all together, we're all working to accomplish one goal.

Once my children are old enough to stay motivated and focused on their tasks by themselves, I will give them more independence in completing their responsibilities and assigned tasks.

This doesn't mean there won't be frustrations. This doesn't mean there won't be bickering among siblings. But the more you try to handle those situations with patience and grace, the closer it will bring your family together. 

**Want to see how other moms teach life skills and responsibilities to their little ones? (I think every family does it a little bit differently so it's nice to compare, take notes and apply what best fits your family's lifestyle). Here are some really great posts to check out:

Simple Chores For Toddlers 

by Paula @ Beauty Through Imperfection

Cleaning House {with LOTS of help} 

by Tonya @ 4 Little Fergusons

15 Chore Ideas For 4 Year Olds

by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom

I'm linking up with:

25 Kid Friendly Mother's Day Crafts

25 Top Mother's Day Crafts For Kids to Make

Through browsing Pinterest and the web I have gathered my top 25 favorite crafts that kids can make for their mom's for Mother's day. So Dads, if your kids haven't made anything for Mom yet, you still have time!  These aren't in any particular order,  just what order I found them in while browsing. I love them all!

Pinterest Etiquette: If you love this list then please pin the above collage image with this post. If you love a specific craft idea, please do not pin the individual craft images to this post. Please click on the links and pin them from the original posts (this will help you with referencing the post in the future). :-) Give credit where credit is due. Thanks! 

1. Handprint & Fingerprint Flowerpot with Poem for Mother's Day by Handprint and Footprint Art

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This adorable craft creates a memorable keepsake of your child's handprint and finger prints along with a sweet poem. This bouquet is sure to last forever in any Mother's heart.

2. Family Handprint Tree by Naptime Decorator

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This is one of my favorites! I love this idea and the colors used for the handprints! This would be beautiful with any room decor and last for years to come. I will definitely have to make one for our family. 

3. Photo Collage by The Inadvertent Farmer

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We did something very similar to this for Father's Day last year with my kids. We have four kids and had them hold signs that said We - Love - You - Dada. You could just add Mom at the end instead. :-)

4. Mother's Day Mason Jar Vase by Christina's Adventure's

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This is another great gift to make with kids. This is a flower vase Mom will be able to use for years to come. :-) 

5. Hands Mothers Day Card by KroKotak

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This craft is super simple to make and would be a great last minute gift that the kids can make and still be really creative with.

6. "I Love You This Much" Card by A Day In My Life

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Such a sweet and creative card. I would love it if my kids made me this for  Mother's Day. :-)

7. Kid Canvas by A Day In My Life

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Let your child paint on a canvas, write their age and name on the canvas or put their footprint on a canvas. Such a great gift that the kids will have a lot of fun with.

8. Handprint Trees by Come Together Kids

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I love this craft by Come Together Kids. A beautiful piece of artwork that Mom can cherish in her heart as well as on her wall. 

9. Mother's Day Bouquet by The Trendy Treehouse

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Instead of buying Mom flowers, why not make her a handprint bouquet? I love this idea. You could make these for grandparents as well. :-)

10. Fun Photo Bookmarks by Come Together Kids

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If Mom loves to read this is an adorable, fun craft to make. Turn photos of the kids into bookmarks she can use in her favorite book!

11. Tea Wallet by Is It Naptime Yet?

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I love drinking tea. Sometimes tea isn't readily available everywhere you go. This is perfect for the mom who wants have her tea everywhere! This is definitely something for an older child to make Mom. :-)

12. Typography Garden by A Subtle Revelry

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I loved this idea! It's so unique and creative. The kids could help with planting the flowers in this garden. I know my kids LOVE to help me plant flowers and play in the dirt...mostly playing in the dirt...haha

13. Flowers on a String by Toddler Approved

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Brenden made me a bracelet in Kindergarten for Mother's Day last year. I still cherish it and it's very special to me. I think this would be a great craft for kids to make Mom.

14. Fingerprint Flower Bookmarks by Share & Remember

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This is a different bookmark the kids can make with their fingerprints. It also includes an adorable poem which makes it all the more special. :-)

15. Cardboard Locket by The Cardboard Collective

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This is a really neat and unique craft. The kids would definitely need some help with this one but I think they would enjoy color and decorating the cardboard.

16. Mother's Day Handprint Cards by Willowday

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This takes the traditional handprint art to another level. Making the handprint/cut out look like the child. Soooo cute! :-) I'm loving this one.

17. Flower of Love Craft by Macaroni Kid

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This incorporates all the great features of a wonderful Mother's Day craft....Handprints, photos, and loving words about Mom. :-) Such a cute idea!

18. Cupcake Flower Bouquet by Preschool Play

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What a fun idea! My kids would love to make this! They can be as creative as they want in designing the flowers. These turned out beautifully!

19. Painted Flower Pots by Sparkle Power

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I love the idea of using up old paint cans and letting the kids go to town with decorating them. How fun!!

20. Garden Stepping Stone by A Learning Experience

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This is absolutely beautiful. Such a treasure to be added to Mom's garden. :-) I would love to make a whole pathway out of these.

21. Children's Art Vase by Aunt Peaches

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This is a wonderful idea for displaying  a child's artwork inside a flower vase for Mom.

22. Simple Beaded Necklace by Everything's Nice

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Why not make Mom a necklace. This is simple and the kids could even decorate the wooden beads for an added personal touch.

23. Personalized Candles by I Can Teach My Child

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I love this idea as well as the technique that was use. What a great idea. I know a lot of moms who love candles and how much more precious is a  candle with your child's artwork on it?

24. Easy Peasy Pipe Cleaner Flowers by The Craft Nest

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This super simple craft uses basic materials and is something little hands will love to make for Mom.


25. Handprint Flower Tote Bag by Paint Cut Paste

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This is a great gift that Mom can carry around with her everywhere as she shuttles kids to and from school, sports, church, etc. Each child could make her a tote and decorate it or each child could put a handprint and they could work together to decorate one bag. 



There are a lot of great craft projects here and I hope you found one of them helpful in figuring out what to make Mom for Mother's Day. To all the Mom's: Don't forget to relax this weekend, slow down, and enjoy Sunday with your family. Make memories, laugh, and cherish precious time with your loved ones. You are special and much adored. 
"Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:"Proverbs 31:28

Tips For Surviving the Stomach Flu Naturally

Tips For Surviving the Stomach Flu Naturally

The last few days the kids and I have gotten the stomach "flu" (or stomach bug). This isn't actually the flu. Many confuse the influenza virus with the stomach virus/bug. I'm pretty sure we all had the actual flu in early January this year. I had an extremely high fever (as well as the kids) and laid on the couch for three days unable to do much more than drink water and stagger to the bathroom. 

This most recent virus has our digestive tract going haywire. This virus has me run down, weak, achy, headaches, nauseous, severe bloating and gas pains, vomiting and diarrhea. Thankfully the latter two I haven't had much of, but the kids have had their fair share of both. 

So how do we, as moms, survive these horrible viruses when we're down for the count with little ones to care for? 

1. Stay Near the Bathroom. This might seem obvious and you're probably reading this thinking "duh," but sometimes we like to go where there's something to keep us entertained (a TV, computer, etc) which are not always located near the bathroom. Our ONE bathroom is located upstairs. I decided to keep us all upstairs (locking the baby gate on the stairs so no one snuck downstairs) where I could lay in bed and supervise the kids from there allowing them access to the bathroom as needed. (Thankfully I do have my phone and laptop upstairs).

2. Stay Hydrated: This is another one that we've all heard before. Drinking the RIGHT type of fluids is essential to healing and flushing out toxins helping our immune system fight off whatever bug we have. Water is always best (good filtered water), but if you think you might be getting dehydrated then be sure to drink something that will replenish your electrolytes and keep you hydrated. Try this recipe for Homemade "Gatorade" 

3. Set a Drink Timer. Yes, a drink timer. This goes hand in hand with number two. Use a kitchen timer or your phone and try to have yourself and your children drink a few ounces of water every hour. It's easy to forget to drink water yourself when you're sick, especially to remember to check if your children are drinking when your sick as well. If your children are still young enough to use sippy cups this is a great way to avoid messes and keep water readily available. Make sure they take a few drinks every 30-60mins.

4. Rest. Rest. Rest. As a mom, one of the hardest things while being sick is the to NOT do anything. We see things that need picked up, floors that need mopped, dishes that need washed, laundry piling up and the list goes on. But we really just need to do as little as possible.  Pay attention to your body signals. Do what you can but don't push  yourself. Just making sure all the dirty dishes make it to the sink can make a world of difference and doesn't take too much effort. If you start a task and get halfway through and your body starts screaming at you to lie back down....listen. Leave the job unfinished, rest, and come back to it later.

5. Take a Time Out. Let's face it, when we're sick our kids can be really annoying. At least that's how it appears when you're not feeling well. Everything they do can grate on your nerves. If you feel yourself getting stressed and on the verge of losing your cool or overreacting; take a time out. Lock your bedroom door, send the kids to their rooms. And BREATHE. (With this particular bug for my kids it has come in waves. Once they rush to the bathroom and get "it" out of their system they're fine for awhile. I'm glad they're not sick the entire time but this leads to typical sibling rivalry and toddler defiance while they are feeling well that can drive a sick mama crazy!!)

6. Group Hugs to Ease Stress. Provided that everyone has been infected and you're not afraid of getting someone in the household sick...sit down on the couch or bed and just give your kids a hug. This could be right after your "Time Out." When everyone's not feeling well tensions can rise, kids can get the seemingly incurable "grouchies" and nobody wants to be around each other. Especially with younger children a hug can go a long way. It's soothing, comforting, and let's them know that just because Mommy needs some time to feel better doesn't mean your love for them is any less. 

7. Accept Help. Don't refuse help from friends and family when it's offered. A dear friend of mine dropped off hot, fresh homemade chicken noodle soup for our dinner this evening. It was PERFECT. I didn't have to do anything. It was such a blessing to all of us. If you know of a mama who is sick with little ones a meal can bless them in a BIG way. Offer to bring them a meal. 

8. Disinfect. Carry a natural disinfectant in a spray bottle and cloth around with you. When you get up to use the restroom. Spray it down. With natural disinfectants you don't even have to wipe it down. When you travel from room to room spray the door handles, stair railings, baby gates, and anything that is touched a lot as you walk by. It takes little effort and goes a long way to make sure germs don't linger and aren't passed around. Try this recipe for Homemade Natural Disinfectant Spray. 

9. Vitamins. When I'm sick I especially make sure to take my vitamins. I usually take a good quality multi-vitamin, vitamin C and zinc. I'm also starting to incorporate vitamin D into my diet since I found out I was deficient. Now how much depends on you and your body. Do some research and ask your doctor for the correct amounts. When I'm sick ( for my body) I take my multi-vitamin and three-four times a day take 2,000mg of vitamin C (I wouldn't recommend take such high amounts if your dealing with diarrhea though) and 200mg of Zinc daily (while sick). Vitamin D levels can vary and it depends greatly on your body's requirement. You will mostly likely need to have bloodwork to see how much your body needs to take. On a scale of 0-100 with anything below 30 being considered deficient, I was 19 and had to take 55,000IU once a week for 8 weeks. Now I'm taking 2,000IU daily (14,000IU weekly) and will be going soon to have follow up bloodwork done. 

10. Sick Stations. Have sick stations set up by the couch or bed where ever the sick person is. Whenever I was growing up, my mom would set up a little table beside where I was laying so everything was within easy reach. Make sure there is a tissue box, little garbage can (so tissues and germs don't end up laying around everywhere), a drink, bucket with a garbage bag laid out underneath (just in case someone doesn't make it to the bathroom). 


Some Helpful Resources: 
Try Young Living's Oil - Peppermint Oil for Upset Stomach
http://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/are-essential-oils-a-scam-peppermint-wintergreen-and-more/

A lot of great natural remedies for stomach bugs. http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2011/12/favorite-winter-herbal-remedies-colds-and-coughs-stomach-viruses-and-headaches.html


If you're reading this and are sick right now and are feeling discouraged let me pray for you:

Dear Jesus,
I ask that Your healing hand would reach out and touch this Mama and her family right now. I pray for complete and quick healing to come over them. Lord, give this daughter of Yours encouragement and strength to make it through these days of sickness. We know You are faithful and care for Your children's every need. Bring peace upon their household so they can praise You in this storm and glorify You through it. What Satan has intended to hurt and cause pain, turn around for good. Thank You always for Your love, mercy, protection and healing. We love you!
In Jesus Name,
Amen

Hope you feel better soon!

Homemade Disinfectant Spray

Homemade Disinfectant Spray

This is a great spray to use on EVERYTHING after your family has been sick. It will disinfect surfaces without introducing harmful chemicals into your house. 

It's super quick and simple to make too. 

There are a lot of homemade disinfectant recipes out there. I have another one on my site for a disinfectant CLEANER. This has a bit of soap in it and is meant for cleaning purposes. This recipe is nice to just spray on surfaces you want to disinfect. 

Vinegar and water only together is an excellent combination to kill germs. Adding in the tea tree oil increases the germ killing power while adding a fresh scent. I love the smell of this spray because it give your house that "freshly cleaned" smell without all the chemical fumes. 

Ingredients:

26 oz Spray Bottle

13oz Water

13 oz Vinegar

20 drops Tea Tree Oil

Combine all ingredients in spray bottle. Shake before each use and spray around household surfaces to disinfect. :-) Enjoy!

Homemade Gatorade

Homemade Gatorade

Recently when the kids and I had the stomach bug I made us all some homemade Gatorade to help replenish some of our fluids and ease our upset stomachs. Gatorade is great for replenishing fluids but I hate all the horrible ingredients that are in it and refuse to give it to my kids. Now that we can make it homemade that won't be an issue. 

There are two versions...the quick version (let's face it....we don't want to be standing in the kitchen making recipes from scratch when we're sick...this is what I used). The Better Quality version....if someone else can make this for you then this is the recipe you want to use to get the most nutrients and benefits. 

It probably a favorite tasting drink (it takes like a mix between Ginger Ale and Gatorade) but it's not horrible and goes down pretty easy. :-) (I never cared for the taste of Gatorade anyway)

Ingredients:

Quick Version:

1/8 c Aloe Vera Gel 

1/2 C Unfiltered, Raw Honey

1/4 tsp Ground Ginger

1/4 C Lemon Juice

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

6 Cups Filtered Water

Combine all ingredients in blender, mix well. Chill in refrigerator; serve cold. 

Best Quality Version:

Fresh Aloe Vera Gel (Palm size piece of plant) 1/8 cup

1/2 C Unfiltered, Raw Honey

1/4 C Freshly grated Ginger

1/4 C Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 tsp Sea Salt

6 Cups Filtered Water

Combine water and ginger in saucepan and heat water until almost boiling. Let steep for about 5 mins and then strain the ginger out. (You can use a mesh strainer or coffee filter.

Allow liquid to cool completely. 

Add Ginger Tea and remaining ingredients to blender. Blend well. 

Chill and serve.

Makes 12 - 1/2 C servings. Drink as needed. 

When taking your aloe vera gel straight from the plant, cut a piece of the leaf about the size of the palm of your hand....

Cut off the thick green skin and scrape out the gel on the inside.

This should give you about 1/8 cup of gel.

Add this to your gatorade and enjoy the benefits! :-)

All God's Weather Is Beautiful

All God's Weather Is Beautiful

All God's Weather Is Beautiful: Rainbow After the Storm

 "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth" Genesis 9:16

So this past weekend while I was out at my Grandma's I kept saying how PERFECT the weather was and how I LOVED days like these. It was in the 70s, there was a gentle breeze, white clouds, crystal blue sky, vibrant green grass, apple blossoms floating to the ground, bees buzzing, wind chimes...okay well I think you get the picture. 

At one point my grandma said that all God's weather is perfect because He has a purpose for everything He does. It made me pause and think. How many times we complain about the hot summer weather, or the snow or rain that cancelled plans, yet they all play an intricate part of a plan God had laid out. 

I think we need to praise Him for the "perfect" days as well as the rainy day because those are just as perfect and just as much beauty can be found in them as well. 

A couple days after my Grandma spoke those words I found this quote on Twitter: 

"Complaining about the weather indicates we miss the bigger picture of God's purposes in nature." ~ John Chisum ( @revchiz )

I shared this status on Facebook and right after doing so there was an AMAZING rainbow that appeared in the sky. The sunset was shining brilliantly through the parted clouds against a backdrop of dark gray storm clouds that already passed over. The rain was still falling through the golden sun rays and glistened like thousands of tiny gems cascading from the clouds. The colors of the rainbow vibrantly thrived overhead as if God read that status and was saying "I agree." 

:-)

Strawberry Pound Cake

Strawberry Pound Cake

I was on a strawberry kick! A week or so ago as Spring weather finally crept into our area, the warm weather made me think strawberries! There is just something about Spring/Summer and Strawberries that I love. My late grandparents' church has a strawberry festival every year. Every once in awhile my aunt would take my brother and I to go along with my cousins who were already there. It was a wonderful time! Picture a small country church, warm spring/summer breeze rustling through the trees, birds chirping happily perched on the branches, sun rays dancing through each leaf, children laughing and giggling chasing each other through the church parking lot, and the clatter of dishes as volunteers in the kitchen serve hungry guests their favorite strawberry desserts. The best part was the smell. The invigorating mixture of sweet, pure country air and the aroma of baked goods topped with strawberries. It was a memory strong enough to embed itself into the "never forgotten" section of someone's mind. Ah, yes, now on to our recipe....

The Original Recipe can be found over at Happy Food Happy Life Blog (I altered it very slightly by substituting whole wheat flour and adding wheat gluten).

Ingredients

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter

3/4 cup sugar

3 eggs, separated

1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 cup wheat gluten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped

for the Glaze:

4 Tablespoons butter, softened (next time I think I might just use the strawberry puree and sugar and leave out the butter)

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

1/2 cup strawberry puree

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Coat (flour and butter) an 8" loaf pan.

First I prepped my strawberries. Washed them, cut them and made my puree.

Then I simply followed the rest of the recipe directions:

I creamed the butter and sugar in my stand mixer until it was "fluffy" (although mine didn't fluff very well). 

Then added each egg yolk one at a time and mix each one thoroughly.

Gradually add in flour and wheat gluten. Then add vanilla.

Place this mixture into a separate medium sized bowl.

Mix egg whites and salt in mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites then your strawberries into the mixture from the first bowl. 

Spoon mixture into loaf pan. 

Bake 45-50 mins until inserted knife comes out clean.

Make your glaze:
Put 7-8 strawberries in blender and puree.
In small bowl combine powdered sugar and butter with puree. (Butter can be optional). 

Drizzle on top of completely cooled cake.