Motherhood Done Wright

Strawberry Pound-Cake Fluff

This perfect summer dessert is easy to throw together and can be made ahead of time. If you’re like me a nice cold dessert on a hot summer day is the perfect way to close out the day. However, the last thing I want to do is spend hours making a dessert, or making a ton of individual servings. We are going to take a little or a lot of help from the store and the best part you can choose how much help you want.

Ingredients:
Cake Base–
• Pound Cake -Cut into small bite-sized cubes (homemade or store-bought) 4 cups
• 2 cups Miniature Marshmallows
• 2 Cups Strawberries 🍓 – sliced

Wet Mixture-
• Homemade whipped cream or large container of Cool Whip (approximately 4 cups needed)
• 2 tablespoons Strawberry Jello mix
• 2 tablespoons Vanilla Pudding mix

Directions:
Add homemade whipping cream or Cool Whip to a large mixing bowl. Fold in Strawberry and Vanilla Jello mix until well combined. Now add in Pound Cake, marshmallows, and strawberries gently fold together. You can serve it immediately or place it in the refrigerator until needed. Best if used in 24 hours but will hold in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

Notes-For every additional cup of pound cake expect to increase wet ingredients by at least 25%. Strawberries & Marshmallows will need to be increased to taste.

Serving Suggestions- On most days I simply scoop it into a plastic cup or bowl. If you want to be fancy use an ice cream scoop and wine glasses.

5 Activities for the Kids – Week 2

Ok week two is here. Can you believe it’s almost July already? Summer is just flying by. My kids enjoyed all these activities this past week and I hope yours will too. Leave me a comment with your kids’ favorite summer activities. This week’s activities again should run under $10 and work for kids of varying ages.

#1 Marble Painting- This one is so simple, fun, but does use up a lot of paper because the kids love doing it over and over. Simply put a piece of paper in the bottom of a tray or container, or box that has sides. Now add some paint you only need a few drops. Let the kids pick out all sorts of colors then drop in a few marbles and let them shake the container side to side, back and forth, and around in circles, to make different designs. You can pick up bags of marbles at most dollar stores or Wal-Mart. If your paper is moving use a small amount of tape to hold it in place. Thin out paint with water as needed for the marbles to move better. *Mom tip if you don’t have any paint on hand you can mix corn starch, water, and whatever you have in the fridge or food coloring. Just put it in the blender and tada paint. I have used things like beets, blueberries, peas, juice, really if it has color and you can blend it with the corn starch and water and make a color. Motherhood isn’t about being perfect but flying by the seat of your pants and making things work. Suggest supplies- paper, paint, marbles, tray or container with sides, tape.

#2 Whipped bubbles– We have been making up bowls of whipped bubbles for years. I have made whipped bubbles out of many different dish soaps and shampoos but my all-time favorite is Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo mainly for the tear-free benefit but any liquid soap like Dawn works just as well. Simply mix 2-3 tablespoons shampoo and about 1/4 cup water in your kitchen aid or large bowl, using a whisk attachment start slowly then increase speed and whip to stiff peaks. You want the bubbles to hold their form so depending on what soap you used you may have to adjust your soap to water ratio. If you want to make colored whipped bubbles simply add some food coloring gel before you begin to whip. Dump the bubbles onto the ground or cookie sheet. You can give the kids some cups, kitchen utensils, pots, pans, or drop in some hot wheels, even marbles to find. Let the kids go crazy. Mine like to see how high of a bubble mount they can make or pretend to be cooks.

#3 Q-tip Fireworks- Perfect easy 4th of July project. The only tips here is to cut the qtips with wire snips. If your kids have a hard time making circle shapes use a coin in the middle then let them put the qtip pieces around. Suggested Supplies- Q-tips, paint, glue, black paper, coins.

#4 Fourth of July Scavenger Hunt- If you’re new to scavenger hunts, here’ s a little explanation! A scavenger hunt is a game where those playing have a list of specific items that they have to find. These items aren’t usually purchased to play the game, rather, items that are found around the house, the neighborhood, etc. My kids love scavenger hunts! I like to offer a small prize for each kid that plays normally an otter pop or something small like that but feel free to reward or just congratulate them when they complete the list. I will attach a sample here that you are welcome to print or a quick google search of scavenger hunt will provide you many options. Supplies Suggested- Scavenger Hunt list, clipboards, pens or stickers to check things off.

4th of July Scavenger hunt.pdf Download

#5 Marshmallow Shooters- Marshmallow guns are great for a few reasons. First off, they’re exceptionally easy to make. With the right tools, you can knock out a basic model in less than 10 minutes. Second, they’re surprisingly effective and often capable of firing your ammo 20 feet or more. Lastly, they’re dirt cheap to make. Assuming you have a pipe cutter or a hacksaw, the materials for one gun will set you back less than $5-10 at most hardware stores. Below is a tried-and-true design, but you can make countless variations by extending the handles, making the barrel shorter, or using different connectors. Then decorate don’t skip adding some decoration or the kids will be fighting over who’s is who’s. I like decorating with colorful duct tape, stickers, or spray paint. Suggested Supplies- 1/2 inch PVC (6) 3-inch pieces, (1) 6-inch piece, (2) 1/2 “t” connectors, (2) 1/2 90 degree elbows, (2) 1/2 inch caps, spray paint, stickers, duct tape, bags of mini marshmallows.

5 Activities for the Kids- Week 1

Alright, time for my first series and it’s a fun one “5 Activities for the Kids”. The series be posted on Wednesdays for the next 4 weeks. I am hoping this gives you time to schedule or prepare things for the following week. I will do my best to gear things to kids multiple ages as much as possible. My two that will be enjoying these activities in my home are ages 3 & 10. This week most things will be free or under $10. Leave me a comment if you try and enjoy a certain activity.

#1 Box Play– You know the old saying, “why get toys when all they want is the boxes to play with.” Well, today is the day. Grab some free boxes from the grocery store or ask that neighbor that gets all those Amazon orders. Let the kids make whatever they want dog house, sword, rocket ship, car, etc. You can give them some guidance if you want but I found the more you sit back and leave them be the more they will learn to use their imaginations. To keep older kids busy challenge them to Google a design and have them copy it as best they can. Suggested supplies- random boxes, crayons, scissors, random stickers, colored paper or magazines, foil, and some glue or tape.

#2 Stuff Animal Grooming– My daughter loves doing this one. We simply go through the stuffed animal bin, pick out a few animals that we could live without (mistakes happen, keep reading for details). If you don’t have any that you would not be ok with getting rid of at the end of this activity I suggest going to a thrift store. Most stuffed animals are under $1 at least in my area. Then I let the kids, shampoo, blow-dry, brush, tattoo, color, and trim the fur. Yes, I give my kids scissors and let them go at it. My suggestion is to do this outside, on the kitchen floor, or bathroom somewhere easy to clean up the mess. A couple of mom tricks- I give the kids baby powder or flour as the stuffed animal shampoo when I am not up to a water mess, they can also skip this part completely and just give trims, let the kids know if they cut open the stuffed animal at the end of playtime it’s going in the trash can. Suggested supplies- stuffed animal, scissors, towel, comb, brush, baby powder/flour or water and shampoo, blow dryer real or fake, and whatever fun hair accessories you have around, I do find boys love using markers to add tattoos and mow hawks.

#3 Frozen Prize Block- This one is so easy and entertains for a while. All you need to do is decide what best to freeze for your kids’ prize block. I don’t go buy prizes I simply check the kid’s toy areas for some things they may have forgotten about or things they love and would be happy to find inside. Think small character figures, bouncy balls, any small toy you have laying around. You can also do fresh fruit, and even some spending money if you feel like it. Tied balloons are great for hiding secret messages or even as chores disbursement. I like to do between 5 and 15 items depending on the item sizes. For the best results, use a larger plastic container, bowls, or old milk jugs. Depending on what container you use releasing the frozen block can be done by cutting the sides or submerging in warm water for a few seconds. Put the frozen prize cube on a cookie tray, water table, anything with sides. Now it’s time for the kids to find their prizes. My suggestions give them water to dump over the cube, put water in spray bottles, squirt guns, small hammers, and even salt (don’t use if you did fruit). This activity does take some extra prep time but it will also keep the kids busy for a good amount of time. Suggested Supplies- small toys, fruits, money, large plastic container, water, tray, cup or spray bottle, small hammer, salt.

#4 Donuts at the Park- I am sure like our family you have had plenty of picnic lunches in the park. How many times have you done breakfast at the park? This is a fun way to get the kids up and out of the house before it’s too hot. Our projected temperatures next week are over 100° almost every day so we need to get outdoor playtime in early. I fill each of our water bottles and pack things like juice boxes, fresh fruit, applesauce, or yogurts whatever I have on hand. I don’t count the foods I have at home in the activity budget since I would have used them for breakfast at home anyways. Then we hit the donut shop because I have some tummy fillers packed the kids just get to pick one donut each and with four of us it’s normally under the $10. Hit the park for a couple of hours of playtime before the heat rolls in and lunchtime. I find breakfast at the park gets ate better than lunches do and it is way easier for me to grab and go. Suggest Supplies- water bottles, fruit, juices, donuts, local park.

#5 Book to Movie- You can make this one as hard or simple as you want or need. If you are new to doing a read-aloud I find reading to the kids during mealtime a great way to get them used to listen for an extended period of time. If your kids are not ready for long books read something short like Cat in the Hat and watch the movie later in the day or the following day. For older kids summertime is the perfect time to start a nice long family read-aloud like Harry Potter then watch each movie as you finish each book in the series. I am a big book-to-movie fan, I love trying to find all the differences between the two media. Make sure to read with enthusiasm and put the phone away during the movie. Enjoy some good quality time with your children. Suggested Supplies- Book and movie based on the book.

Check your local library so many choices out there.

Well here goes nothing…

So let us start with God’s honest truth. My grammar is terrible, I did not finish college, and you know what? I am pretty ok with all of those things. Hopefully, you will forgive my grammar mistakes and see past my faults and gain something from the things I have done in my life.

I have thought about starting a blog on and off for years. Why haven’t I? Well mostly because I didn’t take the time for it. Do you know that part of being a mom or well really I guess being anyone and just not making time to do something for yourself could bring you some joy? That’s what this is all about. So here goes nothing…

Proper introduction I’m Laura Wright. Yup Motherhood Done Wright doesn’t mean you got everything correct or that you are perfect or that I am. Wright is simply my last name and I’m going to talk about all the things in my life. The Wright life as I will refer to it from here on out.

I’m happily married to my husband of almost 20 years together even longer. That’s right if you are doing the math, I have been in a relationship with my husband longer than I have been single in my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My husband is my best friend, the person who has never judged me, and the one that will be by my side through thick and thin.

We have three great kids. Two boys ages 20 and 10 and a daughter that is 3. We also have many bonus kids as we affectionately call them. Children who are not ours but hold special places in our hearts and will be there for them like we would our children. My kids are what my life revolves around. I love it, even when I am hating a situation, I can say with 100% no doubt being a mom is my greatest achievement, accomplishment, and my top priority.

This blog is going to be a place for me to share the things I love, the things I have learned, the things I try and have tried; related to kids, cooking, schooling, parenting, marriage whatever else I decide to share. I will happily take requests on what you would like me to talk about but I reserve the right to keep private anything I deem appropriate.

I look forward to taking some mom time and spending it blogging. Bringing me some joy and in return, I hope to share something that you can take and apply to your life. Stay tuned!

Southwestern Tortellini Salad

Well, summer is here, and in my house, that means its lots of kid foods. Now don’t get me wrong I will happily eat a hotdog or two with my kids, but there comes a point when you need to just have something in the fridge that the kids might eat but you will definitely eat.

My go-to favorite is some sort of cold tortellini salad. The best thing about this Southwestern Tortellini salad is how fast it comes together. Now if you are one of those unlucky souls that can’t stand cilantro you can use parsley or omit it completely. This will last in the fridge awhile but make sure you stir it up so you redistribute the dressing.

Ingredients:

• 20 oz package Cheese Tortellini

• 1 Can black beans rinsed and drained

• 1 Can of yellow or white corn drained and rinsed

• 20 Cherry tomatos sliced in half

• 1/3 bunch Cilantro finely chopped

• 1/2 of a medium purple onion finely chopped

• 1/2 cup bell pepper or sweet pepper diced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 limes zest & juice

• 1 packet taco seasoning or fajita seasoning your choice

• 1/4 cup water

• Salt & Pepper

• *optional large avacados diced and set aside

Directions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add tortellini to water and cook for 4 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl add black beans, corn, bell peppers or sweet peppers, 1/2 of the chopped cilantro, tomatoes, and onions. Then set aside.
3. To make dressing grab a small bowl or jar add the juice and zest of limes, taco or fajita seasoning, remaining half of cilantro, cold water, and olive oil. Mix then pour over ingredients in a large bowl and toss. (You can add more water, olive oil, and lime to taste)
4. After mixing you can serve right away or put it in the fridge till you are ready to eat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Top with diced avacado. This will ad a creamy texture. If you mix avacado in the big bowl it will brown.
• Want a crunch add some fried tortilla strips.
• Need more cheese add some mild cheddar.

Wear the swimsuit!

“I love wearing a swimsuit,” said no Mom ever. Ok well, not really no mom ever but I would say most of us mothers are in this boat. I mean it’s one thing to be in a very secluded backyard by yourself working on that tan. It’s another thing to chase your 2-year-old or jump off the diving board in public. Am I right?

Perhaps on a good day; you know, the once in a blue moon day that you feel like a hot mom. Maybe you got your hair done, a pedicure, shaved your legs, in the same week; or for me the same month. Hopped on the scale and you lost that whole pound that suddenly made you feel like hot mom! Ok so yeah you’re just feeling yourself today. Then and maybe just then you can share that very secluded backyard with your significant other or children.

As a plus-size girl, I have heard it all. You can only wear one-pieces. Don’t wear patterns or colors it will draw too much attention. Wear a cover-up. You need to have on shorts. Too large for that style. Boobs are a little saggy for that. If you want to feel sexy you can always wear a tankini. I highly doubt that it’s just us plus size women, mother or not, that have heard these “suggestions.”

I have heard other women discourage each other from wearing the suit. Seriously ladies, why do you have to have a hot mom day to rock that swimsuit? Why does it matter what anyone thinks about your suit? Why are you allowing yourself to lose time playing with the kids? Wear the dang suit!

You need to be out there watching them around water anyways so put on the suit. Don’t let others’ opinions on what you should be worn by the water take away from the memories you could be making with your kids. Your kids don’t care what you look like in the swimsuit. They won’t remember if mom had on a hot pink bikini or her rolls showed. You know what they will remember… all the fun you had together.

I grew up with a pool in the backyard most of my life. I lived in the pool during summer but when I became a mom I spent more time in a tank top and shorts sitting around the pool instead of in it. One day sitting there I thought why am I not in the pool? Well, society had put so many “suggestions” on what I as a mother was to wear to the pool I didn’t get in it anymore. That’s when I sat there sweat dripping down the backs of my legs and every other crevice that I decided…. screw this I am getting a suit.

I was liberated! I could enjoy our family’s water time again. Cannonball contest, dive contest, teach my kids to become better swimmers, all the water activities. No more sweaty boobs. Thank you swimsuit.

I didn’t need that good hair day or perfect pedicure. Heck, I didn’t have to have that hot mom day. I just had to put on a swimsuit and spend the time interacting with my family in the pool instead of just watching from the side of the pool.

I recently took my kids to a local aquatic center to celebrate the end of our first year of homeschooling. I was in my suit playing with the kids. In the end, if the day the kids said it was “the best day ever.” I complemented other moms on their suits and even received a compliment. I wasn’t hiding, missing out. So do it put on the swimsuit and make memories.

I didn’t have a perfect childhood but I had an amazing mother who put on the suit. I have so many fond memories of her in the pool with us. I almost let what others say take away my opportunity to give my kids fun pool time memories. Don’t make the mistake of missing out on making memories. Wear the suit!