"Do Not Step -- Cat Barfe!"

This sign - "Do Not Step -- Cat Barfe!"  with an arrow pointing to the direct location was made by Ben and placed on the floor last night.  He didn't bother to clean it up or even tell anyone verbally.  He just made the sign with a pink marker and placed it on the floor and went on about his business.  That's the story of the life of a mama, huh?  Clean this up, clean that up, wipe up this, wipe up that.  If anyone else sees the mess, they quickly sidestep and pretend they never saw it.  (Although the sign clearly gave it away that he saw it...he just wasn't touching it.)

I have been inspired to start a mentoring program with my daughter, age 12.  It is a study written by Shelley Noonan called Beautiful Girlhood.  It's all about the transition from girlhood to womanhood.  You read a short chapter in a book of the same title and then follow along in the companion guide.  I had heard Shelley speak a couple of times before and always loved her.  But this week I had the opportunity to speak one on one with her over the phone.  She spent about 20 minutes encouraging me.  She has such a beautiful spirit.  You can find her materials at www.pumpkinseedpress.com  If you have daughters, I highly encourage you to check out her resources.

Upon recommendation from my husband, here is a recipe for a lemon cake.  It was his birthday request.  I must admit....it is really tasty!

Lemon Glaze Cake
1 pkg Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme cake mix
1 pkg lemon instant pudding (small)
4 eggs
1/2 c oil
1 c water

Grease and lightly flour a bundt or tube pan.  Mix all ingredients in a mixer.  Pour into pan.  Bake at 350 for about 1 hour (check at 45 min).  While in the pan and still hot, prick all over with a skewer or fork or toothpick and pour glaze over cake.  (Glaze:  6 T lemon juice + 1 c sugar mixed and warmed, but not to boiling, in the microwave).  Let cool completely.  Invert cake and ice with lemon icing (I just use the store bought tub).

Maybe you can make this as an Easter treat!