Luck o' the Irish to Ye!

March 17 is such a fun day for me!  You see, my REAL first name is Kathleen - can't get more Irish than that!  And, my paternal grandmother's maiden name was McGarry.  As if this wasn't Irish enough, I went to St. Patrick School from grades 1-8, and later, I taught 3rd grade there (in my childhood classroom) for five years.  Since my Dad's family and many in my Mom's family also attended St. Pat's, we've always been big on St. Patty's Day.  But, our traditions didn't include drinking green beer - yeah, I know, what kind of Irish folks ARE we?!  ;-)  

Two of my favorite memories of St. Patty's Day were going to Mass and singing "Great and Glorious St. Patrick" at the recessional.  The IHM nuns used to HATE when we'd pronounce the saint's name as Pa-TRUCK, but with that hymn, that's what it sounded like if you were really singing it with gusto.

Hibernia’s champion saint all hail
With fadeless glory crowned
The offspring of your ardent zeal
Today your praise shall sound.

Refrain:
Great and glorious St. Patrick
Pray for that dear country,
(the land of our fathers)
Great and glorious St. Patrick,
Hearken to the prayers of thy children.

My other memory involved food - big surprise!  We always made those delectable sweet morsels known as Irish Potatoes.  No potatoes are in these goodies, but they sure look like mini-potatoes, if they're made correctly.  In fact, while I was teaching at St. Pat's, I taught my students how to make them.  So, I'm sharing the luck o' the Irish with all of you this year.  Here's the recipe.  Enjoy!

IRISH POTATOES


• 2 lbs. powdered sugar ("10X" powdered)
• 1/4 lb. butter (1 stick - do NOT substitute margarine)
• 8 oz. cream cheese (do NOT substitute fat-free or lowfat)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 10-12 oz. coconut (shredded, sweetened - omit to make 'plain' butter cream candies)
• cinnamon


Blend powdered sugar, butter, and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and blend. Add coconut and stir in completely. Chill mixture (several hours in refrigerator, covered - this step is optional, but helps the 'ball making'). Roll into balls or baking potato shapes - do NOT round perfectly (imperfections make the candy look more like potatoes). Chill (they will 'weep' into the cinnamon if too warm). Serve cool or room temperature. Makes 4 lbs. 

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to you!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today, my Mom, Doris Fugger Wolper, turned 86.  We had a wonderful celebration for her last night.  Mom has had a great influence on my life, and last evening, at my sister Mary's, we celebrated in a way best suited for Mom.  Mom's early life was not the happiest, but things changed when she met and married Dad.  Add to that six children, and eventually, five grandchildren, and Mom's life was complete. 

A close family was always so important to her - something she instilled in all of us.  Getting together as a family has consistently brought happiness to Mom, and so, it was fitting to celebrate her birthday as a family - not with fighting and arguments, like, sadly, she experienced in her childhood, but with a lot of joking and laughs - never in short supply at our family gatherings.  Reminscing about favorite Mom memories was a hoot!  (Thanks to my brother Joe for the "roast" - it was so much fun!)  :-)

I cannot remember a time when Mom looked this happy, and that was great to see.   Of course, everyone eating a LOT of food was always part of the equation for Mom, and food was plentiful (and tasty!) at Mom's birthday dinner.  Missing (in person) were grandchildren Jeff, Chris, and Allie, who are all away for their studies, but they were close in our hearts - especially Mom's!

So, what have I learned from Mom?  Oh, the list is long, but some of the things I've learned are as follows:

• to love with my whole heart
• family is what it's all about
• to enjoy cooking and baking
• to stay true to who I am
• to fight for what I think is right
• to stand by those I love

Happy Birthday, Mom!  I love you, and I'm happy to celebrate yet another birthday with you!!!

How to Handle Disappointment

Well, I'm saddened to report that, despite my best efforts, I've had to cancel the Cupcake Capers event.  I don't know why folks weren't interested, but it seemed pointless to hold it for the four people who paid for tickets.  I'm going to revise the idea and try again after the Christmas holiday season is over. 

I saw a quote I liked on Facebook.  I thought I'd share it. 

I'm too positive to be doubtful,
too optimistic to be fearful,
and too determined to be defeated!

This mindset has served me well in my life - and most especially, in my ten years in business. 

I also shared this quote with my Mom.  At 85, her memory, confidence, and outlook on life have become difficult to witness.  Once so vital, she's now doubtful, fearful, and seems defeated.  She's getting help for this, and we're all hopeful that our Mom will return to us. 

With the Cupcake Capers' cancellation happening right after Mom's decline, I have to believe that well-known adage - God doesn't give you more than you can handle.  I am happy to help Mom.  I love her, and I know that, if I were in such dire shape, Mom would be the first one to help me - or any of her six kids.  Helping with Mom also helps Dad, who is her primary caregiver.  If my focus was on the fundraiser this week, I wouldn't be able to help out.  So, things happen for a reason.  It doesn't make me any less committed to Mommy's Light, but my priority has to be with family.

So...onward and upward - to having a successful fundraiser early in 2012 - and even before that, having a "healed" soul for Mom.