Martha Knows Best

Except for the whole prison thing, I admire Martha Stewart and her sense of creativity -- even though it can add precious minutes, even hours, to make something move beyond the classification of "just average."

I often wondered how the heck she got all that done. Then I remembered. She had a whole arsenal of assistants to help. I am often reminded of this after a major baking binge when hubby kindly inquires, "Hey, Martha, you waiting for your TV crew to clean this up?"

Oh how I wish I had one!

Tonight I was relieved to get home before 8 p.m. the first time this week. But then I remembered I had to get 4 cakes baked for a Mother's Day cake fundraiser at a our church. So I got right on that!

Yes, the magnet on the fridge still screams: "Stop me before I volunteer!" But this is to help offset Carter's Confirmation Camp costs so I couldn't turn this down.

So while cakes #3, #4, #5 and #6 of the week are cooling, I'll have to tell you that cake #1 -- Carter's birthday Dirt Cake -- was quite delicious. And cake #2 -- my "made-up" Thailand dessert for Carter's social studies presentation -- was a hit with the kids, he said. Excellent.

Do you notice a common theme here -- besides the fact I am living, breathing Cake Boss? All these cakes are for Carter, in one way or another. How does that work? He's right. I am the world's greatest mom!

I just won't tell him that the reason I was late picking him up at baseball practice was my "detour" to King Cone for their Blueberry Waffle Cone ice cream! Naw, no need to tell him.

I'll consider it my Martha Money!

Birthday Treats

I think we can officially call this a "birthday weekend" because it's been filled with too many treats to confine it to one day!

Last evening we got some much-needed rain so soccer practice was canceled. Since Carter couldn't play outside, he decided to show us how he learned to play Happy Birthday on his trumpet (which I just realized he forgot to do for his party today). Anyway, he didn't have sheet music for the song so he created some and played from that. A little later, he asked if he could play the organ -- referring to an old electric organ that I think used to reside in the basement of Jim's childhood home.

Two things to know about this organ. One, Jim can play it very, very well -- using both hands plus the foot pedals -- but doesn't let people know that. Two, Carter has never touched it (or a piano).

But he sat down with this Happy Birthday sheet music and figured out in just a few minutes how to play it on the organ! I was quite impressed. But that was just the beginning. For the next hour, I heard him play through all of his band music. He could do every song -- even Eye of the Tiger -- on the organ. Unreal! What a treat.

After that, Daddy and I decided to kick his butt in a game of Dirty Rummy just to take his ego down a notch or two.

Since today is Carter's birthday, he got to pick breakfast. So I made blueberry pancakes. Then we cleaned up the house a bit and headed over to soccer. I don't know if it was the power breakfast or extra birthday energy, but the whole team was rockin' today! They won 8-0!

Carter played goalie the first half and had a handful of saves which, ultimately, helped in the shutout.

This is my favorite "action shot" with my new camera. Both feet off the ground and a look of determination. Love it!

This one also was good as he and teammate Peter go after the ball to keep it away from the orange team! The more goals they scored, the more energized they all seemed to get. Fun to watch!

After 4 p.m. we had Jim's parents and sister (and family), along with our friends the Jacksons, over for supper (pizza) and presents and cake.

Carter got some very nice gifts and was quite surprised when he opened the Wii. With the help of his cousin Colin, he got that set up in no time and they were boxing and bowling and playing baseball. His friend Nate has one at home so he was giving some inside tips, too. After everyone went home, I had Carter show me how it works. I beat him in a short game of golf. (I think I'm going to like this thing!)

Although we were stuffed from pizza, we did find room for some Dirt Cake. I expect I'll come crashing down from that sugar high shortly and then I'll be ready for bed. I had to wait up anyway. Carter doesn't officially turn 12 until 10:15 p.m.

Guess I can go give him his birthday kisses and tuck him in. There's no guarantee he'll let me do that next year... or even next week! I'll appreciate that kind of birthday treat when I can get it!

Stress Avoidance Tactics

I love when people say I'm organized. I'm always thinking, "Are you kidding me? Every year my New Year's resolution is to get more organized!" (It never happens, by the way.)

I do, however, like to plan ahead. Call it my stress-avoidance tactic. Just ask my hubby, I get quite overwhelmed when I suddenly have to accomplish a huge task with seemingly no time to get it done. I hate that feeling!

So tonight when we picked Carter up at the sitter's, I asked him what he wanted me to make for his birthday treat for his classroom. It's Wednesday already so I'll have to make it tomorrow night so he can bring it to school Friday.

He gave it some thought and decided on the "Burgers & Fries" I made last year. "Are you sure you don't want something different?" I asked. He assured me that there were enough different kids in his classroom this year (there are 3 6th-grade classes at Grant), so they'd be surprised. Plus, he emphasized, everyone thought they were cool.

Alrighty then. While we're at it, what do you want for your cake on Saturday? (We're having a small family party for his birthday.) At first he said, "Surprise me." But then he narrowed it down to a Dirt Cake or a Wacky Cake (chocolate family recipe). He did have the courtesy to ask, "Well which one's more work for you?" I pretty much decided they're a wash. One requires more layers and rolling pin action and the other requires oven baking time. I didn't care. So we're going with a Dirt Cake.

I had to get some groceries tonight anyway so this wasn't going to be a big deal. However, while I hate to say anything negative about my home away from home, my quest for the Fries (shoestring potatoes) was unsuccessful at Wal-Mart. So I drove up to Walgreens. Nothing there either. My next stop was Copps and they had 2 canisters there! I bought them both, thank you very much. And only put on an extra 5 miles for this one ingredient. The things we do because we love our kids!

Of course, I missed baseball practice completely, but at least I have everything set for making treats tomorrow night.

Hubby also did some planning ahead today. He knew he had lots of meetings that would eat up his day, so I hit the snooze at 4:20 a.m. and we got out the door shortly after 5 a.m. for work today. I had no guilt about taking a 2-hour lunch break with my "hair artist." But boy am I getting tired now. I think I'll plan to get to bed early tonight so I can avoid the crankies tomorrow!

That's good planning.

Graze Anatomy

We celebrated a friend's 50th birthday at work today. So that meant a birthday potluck and endless grazing from dawn 'til dusk (or mid-afternoon, at least).

To my credit, I did not eat any of my Dirt Cake .... yet. (I still have a ways to go before bedtime). However, I am guilty as charged of grazing through the rest of my meals. (Who says you can't have cake, just cake, for lunch?!)

To top it off, I was finishing up a work project that had to get done today so I had Jim go get Carter from Kidz Camp after work and come back and get me. Then they still had to wait a bit. To pay for my crime, I had to treat them at Shivers. Yep, that's the Austin Laws of Crime & Punishment. At least the "law enforcement officers" allowed me to have a treat, too. Though I certainly didn't need it.

That's why when I was talking to my neighbor on the phone this evening, I needed little to no convincing to take a walk. In fact, it was such a nice night, we drove over to the lake and walked the 4+ mile path there.

It's always nice to exercise with a friend. You get the added benefit of good conversation besides the calorie burning. We had a nice breeze to accompany us, too.

It sure helped erase some of the guilt from the day. But little Miss No Willpower is wondering if she should just keep typing until bedtime. I can hear that Dirt Cake calling from the fridge, can't you?

Remember the Sabbath...

I slept in today -- but I sure had to work at it. My silly body awakened at 6 a.m. like it's a work day and I had to force myself to relax and fall back asleep, bound and determined to get 8 hours of sleep after our late night of racing.

I was up by 8 but made a conscious (albeit sacrilegious) decision at that point that I was not going to shake tail to make it to church on time. I didn't shake tail and go running either. Instead, I headed into town, searching for salvation at Wal-Mart.

What I found there, as usual, were falling prices and fellow fallen angels (also skipping church?). I also crossed paths with a wonderful woman -- the widow of my old copy editor Bob who was quite the mentor to me. It was good to see her again. She's doing well and quite accustomed to living on her own. I'm sure Bob is watching over her -- and me, too, probably cringing on those rare occasions I forget to spell-check my blog!

When I got home, we made a quick unanimous decision to head down to Adams again and watch Madison play. We had our start time mixed up so we missed a good chunk of the game when Madison's team came from a 2-0 deficit to tie it and eventually force it into extra innings. We saw all that excitement. You can't help but jump right in and cheer (hope) with the rest of the fans. A whole lotta screaming going on. At one point, Carter and I both had goose bumps. Definitely worth the trip down. And Madison's team did win, 6-4, so they were headed to the championship game later.

Carter got such a high from the intensity that he actually wanted to stay. Since our neighbors didn't mind, we let him stay on with them. Jim wanted to get back and go to some Legion games in Rapids. And I knew I had to get the lawn mowed. It's tough wearing the title as the only able-bodied adult in the house!

I really don't mind mowing. I got 2 hours of sunshine and exercise. My main concern was seeing a snake again. Talk about intensity and nerves! But thankfully nothing today.

Since I had the house to myself for awhile, I sat down and watched a movie, The Secret Life of Bees, based on a book I read last summer. I knew it was one of those movies the guys would not get into. I enjoyed both the book and the movie.

After that, I had to put my domestic goddess tiara on awhile. Made a caramel apple salad to go with supper and made a dirt cake for someone's birthday at work tomorrow. When I had my men back home, I grilled some burgers and we had a pretty tasty meal.

Now my apron's off. So are my shoes. I am remembering that we are supposed to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. But also use Sunday (occasionally) as a day of rest. Hopefully, I can do a better job applying both of those next week.

In the meantime, this is your favorite heathen signing off...

What a Treat

I figured since we were on a cake binge these days, I'd take a cake to work for our wedding anniversary. Hey, any excuse for cake, right?

Well that's what happened -- but the reasons were a little different. I was actually just being efficient in the "must bring treats to work for birthday" department. I figure bringing something in would cover my birthday and hubby's (coming up Friday). It did. And no one complained. They ate my Dirt Cake right up. No leftovers to bring home (darn).

After whipping together the Oreo delight last night, Jim and I stayed in and watched a movie. Cool and rainy so no golf again (another darn). We watched a movie nominated for some Oscars a year or so back -- Into the Wild. Movie was interesting but not incredibly exciting. I wouldn't say you have to see it -- unless you're really interested in the story (based on a true story). It was about 2 1/2 hours long so it was a late night for this old early-to-bed lady. So late, in fact, I didn't even turn my alarm on. So that's how this day started!

Felt the need for a pot of coffee. But my morning pick-me-up actually came later when I got an email from Carter. My how times change. No letters. No phone calls. It's email now. I didn't mind. In fact, I'm still smiling about it. I did get to talk to him on the phone tonight. He must have said he missed me a dozen times and I said, yes, but you're having fun, right? Oh yes, he assured me. "It is totally worth it!" Good to know. Can't believe we'll be seeing him tomorrow night already. What a quick week.

In order to take advantage of one more "date night," Jim and I stopped at The Harbor bar & grill on the Chain O' Lakes in Waupaca on the way home with some other people from work. Thought we'd see a romantic sunset for our anniversary, but it was too cloudy. Enjoyed some good food and good company. A real treat!

Now we're trying to get a few things organized so we can hit the road at a decent time Thursday afternoon. My blanket is on (yes, it's still cold out) so I can fall asleep quickly and get up early (yes, I'll set my alarm). Want to get to work and be done with it for 3 days!

But as anxious as I am for that, I'd rather not see Date Week draw to a close so quickly. I don't think we can really count tomorrow and Friday nights as "dates" when we're sharing a hotel room with 3 boys! Good thing I love ALL those Austin boys (for better or worse, right?).

Countdown to Fun

Will Derek and Meredith finally live happily ever after? Will George pass his intern exam? Is there a new man for Cristina?

So many questions, so few hours until Grey's!

A bunch of us from work are getting together to watch the "season opener" for Grey's Anatomy tonight. So, using questions sanctioned by my official Grey's Anatomy Trivia Board Game, I have been testing their knowledge throughout the day, emailing questions to see who responds first, who has retained the most "Grey Matter." Yes, I have other work to do and yes, I am getting it done. This just keeps us counting down to the fun!

Some will also be watching Survivor before Grey's so we are bringing treats that reflect either show. I'm bringing my famous Dirt Cake complete with gummy worms (Survivor food, right?). Yummy!

As if a girls' night out isn't enough, I will have a girls' day out tomorrow. I'll be going with a friend of mine and her family to the Warrens Cranberry Festival. What is it and where is it? It's located between Wisconsin Rapids and Tomah and it is a festival with more than 1,300 booths of arts and crafts, antiques, farm produce, you name it.

The only time I went there was 6 years ago when I hosted Wild Women's Weekend and my 6 sisters and I ventured over there. That was quite an event. This was pre-cell phone days, if you can believe it, so we were communicating through walkie-talkies and trying to get a signal, etc. That's all I'm going to say about that. What happens in Warrens, stays in Warrens.

And do I need to shop? No. I told my girlfriend I am bringing my camera. This is one of those "I can make that!" idea shopping ventures where I take pictures of things I could make ... if I had free time and talent, of course. That's part of the fun.

The other part, which goes without saying, is just hanging out with friends and not working. What more could a girl ask for?

Lordy, lordy, look who's embarrassed...

If I thought I could tiptoe quietly into my 40s, I was sorely mistaken. I didn't count on a few scheming girlfriends who felt the need to spread the word.

Now granted, I made an "Older than Dirt" Cake and Hornet's Nest Cake for work last night and had every intention of letting some co-workers know that my birthday was coming up. When we walked in the building this morning, however, my cover was blown.

First thing I see is my face on a poster with "Robyn's turning 40 Saturday." Eventually, I come across three versions of this before I get to my desk. "Life happens... wait 'til you see the scrapbook from this party!" "Ask me Monday about the dysfunctional things we say or do at family gatherings -- Better yet, read my blog!" (At least I got some free publicity for the blog, eh?)

When I got to my desk, there were balloons hanging, cards piled up and the makings of big surprise potluck in progress. Lots of food and well wishes today -- including a tasty cake with lots of frosting delivered by my friend Jana. (She knows the perfect gift for me. We both love a good cake with yummy, yummy frosting!) My twin says she got the same treatment at her workplace, so I guess we have to go through with this.

I was joking how I hated the attention, but anyone who knows me knows I was in my glory to have a special day ALL ABOUT ME! (ha) It was a bit embarrassing seeing that big 40 in print, though. Yikes.

Several of my smart-alec guy friends said things like "I thought you turned 40 years ago!" But my girlfriends were all nice and kind. "You look too young to be 40." I love them dearly. And one smarty pants had to say I don't look a day over 39. At least that's true. I still have a day to go.

I guess there's no turning back now, is there?

Surprise me

Sometimes I like surprises. Today I liked:

Getting two dozen roses (pink and yellow) from my hubby for no reason (that I know of).

Having lunch with my girlfriends (who I don't sit by anymore).

Helping a co-worker celebrate her 25 years with the company by eating a piece of cake with lots of yummy frosting (I had to do something).

Finding Mint Oreos (for my Dirt Cake) at the grocery store. (Can you believe Wal-Mart ran out?!)

Getting a cute lighthouse pin in the mail from one of my blog readers.

Seeing my friend's baby walking at 11 months old.

Walking in the sunshine in almost 40-degree weather.

Doing an "assembly line" with Carter to fill plastic eggs with goodies for tomorrow's big Easter Egg Hunt up north.

Today I didn't like:

Seeing the Badgers basketball team get eliminated from the bracket.

All in all, it balances out to a pretty good day! TGIF!

Spring Ahead

You wouldn't think one hour would make that much of a difference, but my body is having a tough time today adjusting to Daylight Savings Time. I have been yawning and just about broke down and took a nap even. Then I remembered we were hosting a birthday party in the late afternoon and thought better of it.

Jim's oldest boy turned 17 on Friday so we had the in-laws over to celebrate. As far as parties go, we really went about as low key as you can get. Casey requested my mint Oreo Dirt Cake, which is a cinch to make, and we had pizza. No fuss. Love it.

Opening gifts was not a big to-do either. Nothing says love to a 17-year-old like cash, cash, cash! That's OK. In my opinion, we are never too old for a birthday party -- and cake, of course.

When all the "partying" was done, it was still light out at 7 p.m. Now that is the part I do like about Daylight Savings Time. It would have been nice to walk off some of the Dirt Cake, but it's still glare ice out there. The good news is it won't be long (I hope!) before we can get outside for an evening walk on dry roads -- in the daylight.

That must be why they refer to it as Springing Ahead. The sunlight gives us a little feeling of hope for warmer days and puts a spring in our step.

Fat Tuesday :: Take 2

I’m declaring today Fat Tuesday part 2!

For those of us who tried in earnest to give up the bad and do the good during Lent — but didn’t quite accomplish that — I think we deserve a second chance to start over.

I brought a Mint Oreo Dirt Cake into work. I invited my co-workers to dig in -- thinking I could enjoy it as a guilt-free pleasure before jumping back on that "eat healthy and exercise" bandwagon again. Well, I DID enjoy it! It wasn't guilt-free or calorie-free, for that matter, but it was good!

Want my recipe? I use fat-free or low-fat ingredients to ease my conscience, but anything can be used! I also put regular Oreos on the bottom and mint ones on top so it wasn’t too much mint (though in my mind, there’s no such thing as too much mint!).

DIRT CAKE

1 package Oreos
8 oz cream cheese
12 oz Cool whip
1 C. powdered sugar
2 sm. Pkgs instant pudding (vanilla or cheesecake)
3 C. milk

Crush 2 rows Oreos and line bottom of 11x13 cake pan.

Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar and Cool Whip together.
In separate bowl, mix pudding with milk.
Fold all ingredients together and pour into pan on top of Oreos.

Crush last row of Oreos and sprinkle on top of white mixture.

Add gummy worms as embellishment.

It's like a kid treat for grownups -- perfect for Fat Tuesday 2 when the dawn of Wednesday means I have to GROW UP and take my health seriously!