Singin' In The Rain

We are receiving some much needed precipitation.  Last night we took the dogs for a walk in a steady rain.  The thunder rumbled and there were a few flashes of lightening off in the distance, but it wasn't too cold.  Luna especially loved traipsing through the puddles.  We were drenched but very refreshed!

Purple Pomp and Circumstance!

On Monday, my beautiful niece, Erin, graduated from high school.  We celebrated with breakfast followed by gift opening before the ceremony.

From her dad

 Dad (my brother, Greg) and daughter (my niece, Erin)

 Cousins, Haley and Erin

Cousins, Paul, Haley, Erin and John

After breakfast, we headed to the school for the ceremony.  The school got through a couple of speeches, music and announcing 350+ students in an hour.  I was very impressed.

 A sea of purple...

 Graduates filing onto the field

Music

 Stepping up on stage to get her diploma

 Receiving her diploma

A hug from the principal

Proud graduate

 It's official!

Dad and daughter

 Erin, Greg and Raelene

 Pretty girls

Cousins, Paul, Haley, Erin and John 

Erin with Dad and Mom

It was a wonderful day!

Congratulations, Erin!  WE LOVE YOU!

Til next time ~ find your joy!

Kelly

Nephews

I love my nephews.

Yeah, I love these boys.

Til next time ~ find your joy!
Kelly

Cake Bites

It's finals week for daughter #2.  Two more days and she'll have survived her freshman year at college.  Since she is only 30 miles away, I made a treat for her and her 11th floor dorm-mates.

I have wanted to try making cake pops, but did not have time to run to the craft store to get the necessary sticks, so instead I made cake bites--pretty much the same thing but minus the sticks.

Considering it was my first time, I was happy with how they turned out.  It was a lot like making the truffles I make during the holidays.

CAKE BITES

Ingredients
Baked Cake (I made strawberry)
Frosting (I used store bought cream cheese flavor)
Candy Melts
Sprinkles

I am not a 'cake' person, but everyone else in my family is.  I chose to use a strawberry cake mix for these particular cake bites but you could use any flavor combination of cake and frosting. Using your favorite homemade cake or frosting recipe would be fabulous!

Bake the cake per the box instructions (or recipe instructions).

Once the cake has cooled, crumble into a large bowl.  Mix with the frosting.  Use between 3/4 and the whole container, depending on how moist the mixture is. You want it just moist enough to stick together.

I used my cookie scoop to make the balls.  Since I wasn't making cake 'pops', I left the bottom of the cake ball flat instead of making it into a round ball.  That way they sit better in the paper holders/container.

Place balls on a parchment covered sheet pan and place in freezer for 15-20 minutes or until firm.  This will help minimize crumbs when dipping in the candy coating.

Melt the candy melts per package instructions.  I chose the microwave method.  I added a tablespoon of oil to the melted candy and mixed well.  It helps keep the candy from hardening too fast.

Dip each cake ball into the melted candy mixture.  Let excess drip off.  I can see how this would be a bit easier with a stick!

Immediately sprinkle with your choice of candy sprinkles. I chose to place in regular cupcake holders.

Aren't they pretty?

Til next time ~ find your JOY!
Kelly