During our recent trip to Missouri, we made a visit to Adam-Ondi-Ahman where ancient and modern scriptures say Adam, the first man, three years prior to his death gathered his righteous posterity in this valley to pronounce a blessing upon them. He also prophesied about the Messiah Jesus Christ and about the future of mankind.

In that sacred and silent place, I thought about our first parents Adam and Eve and their time in mortality. The Tree of Life, the cherubim and flaming sword placed there to guard it and keep man from partaking of the fruit and living forever in their sins. The need for a Savior to redeem us.

The valley is configured in a natural amphitheater that allows sound to travel across the area, allowing a large group to hear a speaker.

I thought about Eve and wondered what she endured to bear children and teach them righteousness and then to lose Cain and Abel. How she must have labored with Adam to provide shelter, food, clothing and the necessities of life. How she must have marveled at the children she bore and nursed and nurtured. What a wonderful woman she must have been to be entrusted with the establishment of the human race. And that through her, we are all related. Happy Mother’s Day Eve and all of her beautiful daughters.

As many of my readers are aware, my own Mother passed away last year, the day before Easter. Without Mom to fuss over, Mother’s Day is difficult. I wrote this poem years ago, thinking of my Mom, Grandmas, aunts, friends and others who have enriched my life. I’m sharing it again to remind all of us of the love, work and time that go into rearing children, supporting our husbands and building church and community.

To Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, friend and precious women

Who give life,

nurture and give joy.

Who bled and fed and hid Easter eggs,

and wrapped gifts and dyed Halloween costumes.

Who took me to the zoo

and Disneyland,

and grew pumpkins,

and taught me to play chess

and feed my babies.

Who taught me to write thank you notes

And have good manners

and remember birthdays

and ancestors (and love them). And gave me crayons

and dolls

and retainers

and fishnet nylons

and a radio to take to the beach.

Who took me to visit my grandparents

and on road trips

and swimming

and had a barbecue.

Who taught me to pray

and love

and find joy

and set a beautiful table.

And to watch out for little ones,

and spell correctly,

and feed stray kittens,

and read books.

And to try,

and fail,

and try again.

Who found our great grandfathers were kings

and great grandmothers were queens.

Who took pictures,

and listened as I learned to read,

and filled a piñata.

And eat Thanksgiving at the beach like Pilgrims,

and go on bike rides,

and read Luke on Christmas Eve,

and sing carols,

and find treats in my stocking.

To share with those in need,

and love art and beauty,

and wear bows in my hair

and shoes that fit,

and remember God and go to church.

Who sewed clothes,

and prayed for soldiers,

and firemen,

and missionaries, and me.

Who baked cakes

and arranged flowers,

and made 20,000 meals,

and made me brush my teeth.

And bought sugar sticks,

and made drawings,

and bread,

and Beef Stroganoff.

And soothed wounded hearts,

and took us to movies,

and to the woods,

and the sea.

And played

and prayed

and gave time

and love

and life.

Thank you.

Spring. The time of rebirth, regrowth, sunshine and flowers. Resurrection, perfect love and reunions.

The Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ is the most important act of love in the history of humankind. The Creator, the only true god in history; He died for His people, not the other way around. May His holy name be praised.

As the major holy day, now holiday, over the centuries, people have added accompaniments, traditions and activities to bring families closer and make memories.

Speaking of Easter decor, the crummy economy is always on parents’ minds. Here’s a suggestion; make a couple of trips to a favorite charity thrift store, Deseret Industries is my go-to. Treasure hunting there yielded this gorgeous hurricane lamp for $3, a Fitz and Floyd candy dish for $1 and a brand new hula skirt ($2), which I cut up to make straw. Look around and see what you can repurpose and use for decorations to save your precious $ this year.

On a sad note; this spring I am boycotting Hershey’s Candy company. They hired a faux woman to introduce their “Her” bar on International Women’s Day, I was very unhappy with decision. Women haven’t had this much trouble getting jobs as women since the theater in 16th Century Puritan England, where they too, hired boys for women’s roles. My first cousin, many times removed, William Shakespeare, would understand this throw-back dilemma. Men need to stay in their own lane.

So no Hershey’s for us this year.

I promised friends I would post some alternative choices for Easter baskets and parties; here are a few ideas to add to your celebration.

Lindt is a go-to at our house, from bunnies, to truffles and assorted treats, even bugs and bees, you can plan for a win with Lindt. They’re very big in Europe.

Speaking of Europe my German-speaking husband who lived there for 3 years came back to the U.S. with a taste for German and Swiss chocolates. Ritter Sports candy bars, available in the candy section of most grocery stores are his favorite.

My friend and co-Grandma Sarah Nash suggested See’s Candies. YES. All of the deliciousness of handmade chocolate in a myriad of flavors. A trip to See’s is de’rigueur. When my sister, brother and I were young, the Easter Bunny used to bring panoramic eggs from See’s.

Here’s a link with the recipe:

https://www.deseret.com/2015/3/31/20561785/butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-easter-treats

Wait, there’s more!

Get a bit creative and you might find some new favorites!

You might like to find some of these in your Easter baskets: Jordan almonds, gumballs, Luna bars, Jelly Bellies, M&Ms, Bonne Mamman jams and lemon curd, trail mix, goldfish crackers, mixed nuts, fresh berries, homemade sugar cookies, Easter books, crayons, and mini-sketchbooks.

Unreal(R) coconut bars, Limoncello almonds, Bequet caramels with Celtic sea salt, SweetTart Mini Chewys mini bunny waffle irons, jewelry, old-style Easter figures, mini games, card games, travel games.

A spring scarf, tiny lotions, little framed pictures, greeting cards, handmade pompom bunnies and chicks, new napkins, candles, fresh flowers, things that make your heart happy.

The economy may be in bad shape but Washington’s agenda can’t stop you from making an affordable, fun and festive Easter for your family.

Here are a few ideas.

Plan a tea party, nibble sandwiches, dye eggs and hunt for candy-filled ones.

Just for you: a reduced fat , to-die-for carrot cake recipe:

Carrot Cake Lite

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9” x 13” pan with non-stick vegetable coating, set aside.

1 ½  C. sugar    (less if you choose)                            

2 C. flour

1 C. liquid egg substitute or 4 eggs

1 ¼ C. unsweetened applesauce

¼ C. canola oil

2 TBSP. ground cinnamon

2 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. salt

1 TBSP. vanilla extract

4 C. grated carrots (about 8 medium)

1 C. chopped nuts

2/3 can crushed pineapple, (drained well) – optional

In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients except carrots, nuts and pineapple. Mix well. Fold in carrots, nuts and pineapple (if desired). Pour batter into prepared pan and bake about 45 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 15 servings.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream together:

8 oz. light cream cheese

4 oz. butter

2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 box (1 lb.) powdered sugar

Add:

1 C. shredded coconut

½ C. chopped nuts

Spread over cooled cake. Refrigerate.

Make a pennant with scrapbook papers.

A simplified account of Christ’s atonement is told in these Easter Miracle Eggs. Each egg contains a scripture and tiny object that represents part of the Easter story. After the eggs are gathered, open them in order and read each little scripture.

All you need are a dozen plastic eggs and a few items to tuck inside. Number the end of the eggs 1 -12 with a permanent marker. The objects inside the eggs are:

1. a small cup (check craft stores for a small unfinished wood thimble)

2. 3 dimes

3. 2 – 3″ of twine

4. a chunk of soap

5. A tiny red robe shape cut out of felt

6. wooden or heavy paper cross

7. dice

8. 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ square of white fabric, torn almost in half

9. a 1 1/2″ x 11/2″ square of white fabric

10. a small rock

11. a few whole cloves and a bay leaf

12. This egg will remain empty

Print the following text, cut into strips and place inside the corresponding numbered egg.You can copy and print the scriptures below by highlighting them, pressing control and “c” on a p.c., or the control icon and “c” on a mac. Then open a new word document and paste in the text with control and “v”.

Tell the story about the sacrament of the Last Supper and Christ’s night in Gethsemane, how he paid the price for all of mankind’s sins; that they might be able to return to heaven and live with the Father. The following scripture verses are taken from the New Testament in the Holy Bible.

1. “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:42 – 43)

2. Zechariah, a prophet of the Old Testament foretold that Christ would be ransomed or betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. ” (Matthew 26: 14 – 15)

3. “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. (Matthew 27: 1 -2)

4. “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. (Matthew 27: 24)

5. “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had plaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.” (Matthew 27: 28 – 30)

6. “And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” (Matthew 27: 31 – 32.)

7. “And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.” (Matthew 27: 35)

8. “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27: 50, 51, 54)

9. “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth” (Matthew 27; 58 – 60)

10. “And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” (Matthew 27: 60, 65, 66)

11. “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow…And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. (Mark 16: 1, Matthew 28: 2 – 5)

12. “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead” Matthew 28: 6 – 7)

I hope you feel the love of our Savior as you celebrate Him this Easter. And have fun with your little bunnies!

If you want more beautiful images, visit my Pinterest Easter board and sign up as a follower!

A whiteboard drawing from an online art lesson with my grandchildren – love!

We are officially retired! (not me – but my husband 😉 For the first time since 1969, he woke up this Monday morning and instead of shaving and hiking through the snow to work, he put on his trunks and headed to the beach. Ah the life.

We are in San Diego this weekend, we came to watch our son’s family perform in a Christmas concert in Del Mar. It was a beautiful evening inviting the spirit of Christmas in a warm and welcoming blaze of light and music. Joined by our best friends Mary and Brad, it was a wonderful evening of holiday cheer.

This is an article I wrote that expresses some of the benefits of having a grateful heart, I needed to reread it and thought you might enjoy it too. Happy Thanksgiving!

A little gratitude every day goes a long way

By Pam McMurtry, KSL.com contributor 

---

SALT LAKE CITY — After months at sea in a small ship, a group of weary travelers from England, upon reaching the shores of North America, fell to their knees to give thanks. The Pilgrims at Cape Cod or Plymouth Rock in 1620? No, Englishmen at the Berkeley Plantation, Va., on Dec. 4, 1619. Their orders included the giving of thanks upon arrival and on the anniversary every year after.

The power of gratitude can be life-changing. Studies on the health benefits of gratitude have shown an increase in energy in participants, improved sleep and other positive outcomes, according to Robert Emmons of the University of California Davis, Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami and Alexander Wood of the University of Manchester.

The late Robert W. Woodruff, a prominent business leader, toured the United States giving a lecture he called “A Capsule Course in Human Relations.” The message, as quoted by LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson, is that the “two most important words in the English language are these: ‘Thank you.'”

Love and gratitude bind individuals, families and communities in cheering and healthy ways. Each of us has the potential to increase the positive energy in our community, world and the universe. Gratitude and generosity lift our lives and society to a higher and happier place. Emmons says serving the needs of others helps us find our own inner spirituality.

As we consider ways to increase our gratitude in the new year, here are a few suggestions that can help:

• Blessings Centerpiece — Place branches in jars or vases surrounded by votive candles, seasonal greens and smooth river stones. Have family members and guests write things they are thankful for on paper tags and tie them to the branches.
• Family Bingo — Create a family bingo game using copies of photos of family members. You may mount them on vintage scrapbook paper or cardstock and laminate them at a teachers’ supply store. This is a fun way for younger family members to visualize and remember their ancestors.
• Service Opportunities — One way to show gratitude for blessings is to share. Opportunities abound for helping the less fortunate, including serving dinner at homeless shelters, hospitals or retirement centers; or gathering food for food banks and community kitchens. Find organizations that serve populations you care about, and then get involved through contributions of time, money or other resources. Look around your neighborhood to find people who would enjoy sharing a dinner with your family.
• 1000 Reasons to be Grateful — In his article “1,000 Things to Be Thankful For”, Richard Romney shared his daughter Charlotte’s project identifying 100 things in her life that she was grateful for. She was so enthusiastic, her list eventually stretched to over 1,000. Can you name 100 things you are thankful for? Althought this list would make a bright and wonderful journal entry, another idea is to write the things on paper strips and collect them throughout 2014, placing them in a jar to be read at the end of the year.

There is a quote that says, “What if all you had tomorrow were the things you are thankful for today? ” In the new year, let us consciously rejoice in the wondrous gifts we enjoy and express gratitude for them.

Here are fun traditions to brighten your holiday season:

I’m sharing some Thanksgiving eye candy from my Pinterest board:

Try this for your holiday dinner – you’re welcome.

PUMPKIN PIE CAKE

           Preheat oven to 350°. From a

box of yellow cake mix

           remove one cup and set aside. Combine remaining cake mix with

1 egg

½ cup butter, melted and cooled                                 

           Pat into the bottom of a 9’ x 13” baking pan. Mix together:          

4 eggs, slightly beaten

1 29 oz. can pumpkin (100% pumpkin – not the mixed filling)

1 ½ cups sugar

½ tsp. salt

2 tsp. ground cinnamon

½ tsp. ground cloves

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

(or  1/12 tsp pumpkin pie spice and 1 tsp. cinnamon)

2 (12 oz.) cans evaporated milk

           Pour over crust. Set aside.

           Mix together and  sprinkle over pumpkin filling:

Reserved 1 cup of cake mix

½ cup sugar

1 ½ tsp. cinnamon

½ cup butter, softened

1 C. chopped pecans (optional)

Bake approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes or until pumpkin is set. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

It’s here! A Harvest and Halloween Handbook Second Edition eBook is now live on Amazon!

After sharing the joy of happy autumn celebrations for 10 years in print and on international radio – it’s back with exciting fresh content to add sparkle to your favorite classics with new ideas thrown in for fun. This second edition features new and exciting parties, themes, recipes and decor for everyone who wishes to focus on the positive and fun aspects of harvest and Halloween celebrations. I’m so thrilled to include new party plans like this Halloween Tea in Wonderland, Oktoberfest and a black and white party called The Night Shift.

We are ready for some good old-fashioned updated fun this autumn!

After touring many of our ancestral areas of Europe, I have a richer appreciation for the many contributions and traditions of our forefathers and mothers there so we added a Deutsch accent with Oktoberfest.

Then for the sophisticated retro set, there’s the Night Shift.

A Harvest and Hallloween Handbook Edition 2 contains our favorite content from the original with new recipes, decor and games added to help readers entertain and enjoy autumn get-togethers. Here’s what you can look forward to this fall

 HOSTING YOUR PARTY

Handmade Invitations and Party Planner

THEMES AND THINGS

Ideas for Celebrations, 41 Cool Themes, Helpers, Add-ons for Personalizing Themes

CELEBRATION THEMES

A Harvest and Halloween History

Plans, Menus and Games for:

A Night of Remembrance

The Feast of the Tabernacles

Celebrate the Harvest

Family Night Fun

The Night Shift

Oktoberfest

An Enchanted Evening

A Black Cat Party

Mother Goose’s Nursery Party

A Wonderland Tea Party

An Autumn Picnic

A PUMPKIN PATCH CARNIVAL

Carnival Plans for 200 Children

Activities for ‘Tweens and Teens

CREATE A SCENE

Amazing Entries, Indoor and Outdoor Décor: all easy and inexpensive

AUTUMN FOODS AND DESSERTS

117 Unforgettable recipes ranging from easy to gourmet

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Simple creative costumes using clothing you already have plus a few extras

TRICKS, TREATS AND SWEET SURPRISES

Do something nice, surprise a friend or family member, an original children’s story to share, Lunchbox Jokes, Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips

There are crafts like this cute button bouquet centerpiece, rag-edged throw and gingerbread house.

And these characters I found in a home decorating store

You owe it to yourself to download a copy of Happy Halloween! It’s a party digitized!

Don’t forget to grab a download of Night Clinic – so you know where to send the vampires when they get a toothache.

Imagine having so much handmade fun ! Download your A Harvest and Halloween Handbook Second Edition today.

This year we are back to celebrating Pioneer Day in the traditional ways. Here in Utah that includes parades, rodeos, barbecues and parties.

But we haven’t always lived in Utah.

Living in Southern California, we had to work a little harder to commemorate those hardy, faith-filled souls who walked or rode the bumpy, dusty 1300 miles in covered wagons, burying loved ones along the way. For the Mormon pioneers answering the call of faith and freedom, the Rocky Mountains provided a cradle to nurture and grow the fledgling faith of the recently restored gospel and community of Christ in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Following the assassinations of the founders, the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, the Patriarch Hyrum Smith, as well as persecutions of the Saints (including an extermination order by Missouri governor Lilliburn Boggs,) the church pulled up its stakes and walked away. Filling covered wagons with necessities, families left Nauvoo Illinois in the middle of winter and camped in Iowa, then Nebraska. When the U.S. government (who ironically provided no protection when the Saints were being harassed, murdered and driven from their homes) saw a large body of Americans moving west, they requested they prove their patriotism by enlisting to fight in the war with Mexico. With their families stranded on the plains, over 500 men (and a few women and children,) volunteered to take the longest military march in history. Ironically the men wore their own clothes and the money given to the soldiers for uniforms was instead donated to the church and assisted the families in their westward trek.

Several years ago, I hosted a Pioneer Day event for 100 children ages 3 – 12. I did a lot of research and designed activities that would provide a fun learning experience about the pioneer children. This summer I refined my collection and created Pioneer Day fun kits that are selling in my Etsy shop.

Because children learn best when they are having fun, our activities duplicate some of those that pioneer children actually did to help their families get established in their new homes. Each kit includes a clipboard with a faux leather pouch containing crafts and games for children and families. The clipboard side has an 8-page planning guide with dozens of things to do, recipes and games for groups from young children through adults.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1247801432/pioneer-day-kit?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pioneer+day+activity+kit&ref=sr_gallery-1-29&cns=1&organic_search_click=1

Here are photos of the imaginative learning kit for children (and everyone that likes handmade fun!)

 

 

 

A pioneer scavenger hunt, Beango game and rustic notecard are in the kit.

 

Pounding nails, telling west by the sun, panning for gold like members of the Mormon Battalion who were returning to their families that had traveled to the Salt Lake Valley and many more activities are included. Also, recipes for beef jerky, Dad’s Chili, honey lemonade and several other catering favorites.

It’s never too late to teach children about the pioneer experience.

 

For more Pioneer Day inspiration, images and ideas, see my Pinterest board: Prairie Princesses and Pioneers

Nixon Irene Roberts graduated life and entered the arms of her loving Savior on April 16, 2022. It was the day before Easter, the holiday of resurrection and triumph over death. Like all losses of those we love, it takes a while to process the new reality and grieve. I hope you will pardon me for missing the past few holidays as my family and I adjust to our new normal.

Nixon’s first heavenly birthday was on July 12. As I was helping a daughter move, bringing a granddaughter home and celebrating my husband’s birthday on July 14, I’m a couple of days late but I wanted to share about my colorful and creative Mom.

Nixon Irene Roberts Lawrence entered the world on July 12, 1935 in a maternity home in Coalinga, California. She was the first child of Thelma Mae Lisman Roberts and her husband George William Roberts. Thelma was the descendant of early Americans and many of the crown heads of Europe and Scandinavia but she didn’t know it. George was the son of a British-born mother and father descended from Welsh and British families. Hot and dusty Coalinga was a Standard Oil town in the rough and tumble oil fields of Central California: it was the middle of the Great Depression, and demand for petroleum products waned as the world economy suffered. The strained economic circumstances of her childhood impelled Nixon to always strive for better things. As she grew up, she overcame her early poverty and modest circumstances by working hard and rewarding herself with fashionable clothes and beautiful surroundings.

She was joined within a few years by brothers Kenneth Leroy Roberts and David Miles Roberts. They attended school in a 2-room schoolhouse. As World War 2 increased the demand for oil production, her school had the resources to hire music and band teachers. Each child had their own instrument; uniform and music lessons were available to all. Well-qualified teachers were brought into the settlement and the tiny school in the middle of the wilderness became the seat of an excellent education that served her well throughout life.

When a Standard Oil transfer relocated her family to Redondo Beach in Los Angeles County, she learned to appreciate coastal life and a whole new Southern California culture. Neighbors Ardith and Lila Landers became her lifelong friends and introduced her to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She attended seminary with her new friends and was baptized as a teenager. In high school she was involved in theater, enjoyed playing tennis and working as a camp counselor. There were trips to Lake Arrowhead for fun in the snow; it was the era of cashmere sweater sets, skirts and cruising the boulevard. After graduating from Mira Costa High School, she worked as an operator for a year to save money for college.

She attended BYU in Provo, Utah for a year then returned home and worked in the aerospace industry in Los Angeles, where she met Larry Karl Layton, a recently returned veteran, who, as a former Army rocket scientist, was now working in R & D in the aerospace industry.

They married in Los Angeles and soon welcomed daughter Pamela Sue into the family while Larry was studying at USC. After deciding to go into Education, he earned a Bachelor’s degree and started work on his Master’s degree. Cynthia Ann and Brian Christopher were born at rival campus UCLA Hospital (ironically) before he graduated.

The Laytons moved to Carlsbad in 1963 after Larry finished his studies. His first job out of college was with the Oceanside School District at North Oceanside Elementary. They bought their first house on Guevara Road (near the “stinky lagoon.”) Brian Layton was 1, Cindy was 3 and Pam was starting 1st grade at Buena Vista Elementary. The family attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a rented building in Oceanside then in a newly built chapel on California Street.

There were so many wonderful things about living in the small beach town of Carlsbad; Nixon loved bike riding, tennis and fireworks at the beach where she also taught her children to play chess. She baked the best cookies at Christmas and hosted picnics and fun at Holiday Park. They enjoyed holiday concerts and carnivals at Buena Vista, the Del Mar Fair, the Carlsbad library, the drive-in at Oceanside, pizza at Shakey’s, visiting Santa at the Elm Street fire station and the new El Camino Real mall. She sewed clothes for her children and made lots of friends: Lois Chaplin, Lillian Smith, Kay Tisdale, Ginny Smith, Fran Yarbrough, neighbors and others.

One year she decided Thanksgiving should be like the pilgrims’ feast, so she packed it all up and the family ate turkey on the windy bluffs overlooking Torrey Pines in La Jolla. There were trips to the Palomar Observatory, Big Bear to play in the snow, the zoo, Sea World and the happiest place on earth.

Her love of theater introduced the family to many classics, they attended a live performance Dicken’s A Christmas Carol production at Carlsbad Community Theater and Nutcracker Ballet in San Diego. . Watched the Wizard of Oz on the black and white television every year, the original Batman series, Bewitched and Gilligan’s Island. They watched the Parent Trap and other Disney movies at the San Luis Rey Drive-In with trips to Shakey’s Pizza before. On the family stereo vinyls played; Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Sergio Mendez and Brazil ’66, the Supremes, comedy and the Beach Boys. A highlight of the Christmas season was attending performances of Handel’s Messiah and the Nutcracker Ballet.

Family was important, Nixon and her children enjoyed visits with her parents in Santa Maria, her brothers in Hermosa Beach and Santa Barbara and extended family in other parts of California. As her children grew and started their own families and careers, she was an important part of her grandchildrens’ lives. She loved visiting Brian when he was stationed in Hawaii in the Air Force, going on cruises, especially the Panama Canal with her second husband Jim Lawrence, flowers, beauty, music, cool cars, and researching her family history back to 160 A.D.

Her July birthday and patriotic spirit made the 4th of July an important holiday in her world. Picnics on the beach, children bobbing in innertubes, lemon drops, a red, white and blue dessert and fireworks after dark became beloved traditions.

In her retirement she became involved in family history research. She found records of her Tracy ancestors back to 160 A.D. She joined the Daughters of the American Revolution and made scrapbooks for her local chapter. She collected hundreds of family members’ names and histories and created beautiful scrapbooks of photos and family histories.

Strokes and age-related dementia slowed her down in her later years, but she still enjoyed a good shopping trip. Her final words were her checking on each family member and wanting to go to the temple; she was going home. She passed into the eternities with the sound of her daughter Cindy reading love notes to her from her grandchildren.

Surviving family members include brother Ken Roberts and his daughters Adair and Amanda and their families, and the wife and daughter of her brother, the late David Roberts, Marlene and Tc. Her daughter Pamela Layton McMurtry and husband Newell, grandchildren William Chaddock, Laurel Phillips, Heather Touchet, Andrew Chaddock and Timothy McMurtry with their spouses and children. Daughter Cynthia Ann Layton Reischman and husband David and grandchildren, Eric Kapitanski, Emily Rivadeneyra, Alyssa and Amanda Kapitanski with their spouses and children. Nixon was preceded in death by her son Brian Christopher Layton and husband James Lawrence, her parents and brother David Roberts.

Nixon was a good and loving mother and grandmother. A celebration of her life and family gathering are planned for this summer; details will be posted later. She will be inurned at Eternal Hills Cemetery in Oceanside, CA with her husband Jim and son Brian.

The family would like to thank everyone who cared for her, especially Symbii Hospice, the Yalecrest First Ward and Larkin Mortuary for her final arrangements.

Families are forever; she would tell us all, “bye for now.”

We’ve been super busy the past few months and I’m planning to catch up this week – but I want to give you access to this amazing kit I’ve created to help you plan the best Pioneer Day celebration you’ve experienced! With sky high gas prices and supplies hard to come by, a DIY activity might be just what you need for summer fun! Find it on Etsy:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1247801432/pioneer-day-kit?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pioneer+day+kit&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1

The smiling Jesus in the cathedral at Pisa is a surprising contrast to the images of the tortured and suffering Savior depicted in much of medieval art. This beautiful mosaic is in the apse of the cathedral which was started in 1063.

Christ, having overcome all, even death, reigns as the risen Lord and invites everyone to follow Him. At Easter we consider His perfect life, ministry and supreme sacrifice; He purchased mankind with His blood so we could return with Him as a gift to the Father (who gave us the gift of His Son and the promise of Eternal Life) to dwell with them in their kingdom; a perfect economy wherein nothing is lost and all are saved.

Spring, with its fluffy baby animals, green buds and beautiful blossoms remind us of the renewal of life. Here are some fun and sweet ways to teach children about the miracle of Jesus and Easter.

The Miraculous Atonement of Jesus Christ

The First Easter

            All of Creation testifies of Jesus Christ. From the starry expanse of the midnight sky to the countless sands of tropical beaches; God’s fingerprint can be found in the spiral of pinecones, beautiful colored flowers, the chambered nautilus; the order and beauty of His creation sing of his majesty.

            A long time ago, we lived with in a glorious heavenly home with our eternal Heavenly parents. We were eager to be like them. Heavenly Father created a plan for us to become as He is. We would come to an earth to gain a physical body and be tested to show we could live His way. We needed to be obedient to His commandments and when we became perfected we could go back and live with Heavenly Father. We would be like Him when we learned to obey all of His commandments. But we would fail and require assistance; someone to pay the price for our mistakes and when we died, help us to be resurrected. He would be our Savior and Redeemer.

            Jehovah, our older brother in the home of our spirits, said He would do this for us. He would show us how to be righteous and prepare for eternal life. He would atone for our sins when we erred, repented and sought His help. He would have a physical body, live, die and be resurrected so we could have the power to be resurrected through Him. Heavenly Father had Jehovah create an earth for us. He created the sun, moon and stars; He put plants and animals on the earth.  We came to live on the earth. Heavenly Father sent prophets to teach us about His plan for our happiness. The prophets taught us about Heavenly Father, His commandments and Jesus Christ. Jehovah would be Jesus Christ and our Savior.

            If you compare yourself to a computer, you can begin to understand the Plan of Salvation a little better. In the beginning you were programmed by Heavenly Father. You were given all the information you needed to be like Him. At birth that program was closed and you were given a body with a new hard drive; ready to be filled with information and experiences. As you grew your parents formatted your program. You gained information and experience that became part of your programming; both good and bad. When you turned eight, and were able and accountable to make choices for yourself, you could be baptized and given the Holy Ghost.  The prophets have given us the scriptures to be an owner’s manual, to help us make choices.

            Wise choices, like keeping the commandments and being baptized fill us with valuable and important data. Bad choices or committing sins are like viruses in your computer. They cause problems, create corrupt or false information and can make your computer crash. Satan tries to put worms, viruses or bad programs in your system so he can take control of your life and destroy you. When we repent or seek help, Jesus’ atonement removes the virus or worm, cleans the program and resets you so you can function properly. When your computer is turned off, or you die, you cannot restart it again.

            When Jesus was resurrected he activated a restart or reboot program for Himself and everyone else that ever lived. That is why we can all be resurrected or alive again through Jesus Christ. When we return to Heavenly Father, He and we will see the information and experience in our program. Some of it will be very valuable and make us happy. Repentance removes all the bad or worthless data. Heavenly Father and we won’t have to see it again because it is gone. Jesus paid the price for us to clean our program, reboot our computer and run forever in a happy and perfect world with our Heavenly family.

            When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the angels sang for joy. He lived in a family and grew to manhood. He helped, taught and healed others and showed us how to live and be happy. The Bible tells us many stories of Jesus’ life. How he loved children and taught people to be kind and forgiving and keep God’s commandments. You can learn what He did by reading the scriptures.

            Wicked leaders did not like Jesus, they were afraid people would follow Him and not listen to them and they would loose their power. They wanted to kill Him. During His last week, Jesus went to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. The Jews celebrated the Passover to remind them how God had saved them and delivered them from Egypt during the time of Moses.

As Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, a great crowd of people went out to meet Him.  They waved palm leaves and myrtle and laid robes on the ground for their king. They knew He was the Savior. Jesus rode a young donkey; a symbol of a peaceful king of the Jews, just as the prophet said He would. He told His apostles that He would soon die to pay the price for peoples’ sins.

            Jesus went to the temple every day the last week of his life. He cleared the temple of corrupt money changing and merchandising. He healed many people. He taught the first great commandment; to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. We need to serve Him and keep all of His commandments; also to love our neighbor and help them.

            Jesus told Peter to find a man carrying a pitcher of water. Peter was to follow him to a house where the Passover supper would be ready in an upper room. Jesus invited the apostles to the supper. He washed their feet; teaching them to serve one another. Jesus and the Apostles (witnesses) ate the Passover dinner. After dinner, He gave them the first sacrament. He told them; with the bread to remember His body and with the grape drink; to remember His blood; which was shed for them. They should always remember Him and Heavenly Father would bless them. He taught them to love each other as perfectly as He loved them

            One of the apostles would betray Jesus. Judas Iscariot let Satan have power over him. He left and told the wicked men where to find Jesus so they could arrest Him. They paid him 30 pieces of silver. Another apostle was told, before the cock (rooster) crowed three times, he would deny knowing Jesus. After counseling the apostles, Jesus gave them with the promise of peace.

            Jesus and the apostles went into the Garden of Gethsemane. He asked the apostles to pray for Him. He went to a place to be pray alone. He asked Heavenly Father to strengthen Him and to forgive the sins of the people who repented and believed in Him. Jesus was sad for the sins of all the people in the world. He began to feel sorrow and pain. He hurt so much that blood came from His skin. The apostles fell asleep. An angel came from Heaven to strengthen Him. Jesus finished praying. He had suffered and paid for the sins of all people.

            The wicked men entered the garden and arrested Jesus. Peter wanted to protect Him. He drew out a sword and cut off the ear of one of the men’s servants. Jesus immediately healed him. Jesus was led away and given several false trials. One leader said “I find in him no fault at all,” but he allowed the people to put Jesus to death and washed his hands to show he was not responsible. He turned Jesus over to the Romans to be crucified.           

The Roman soldiers beat Him with a braided whip with sharp pieces of metal in it. They placed a crown of thorns on His head. They put a sign on a cross that said “King of the Jews. ”They nailed Him to the cross and crucified Him. As he hung on the cross, they gambled for His robe. Jesus asked Heavenly Father to forgive them. Jesus suffered for many hours; the sky grew dark. He prayed, “Father, into Thy hands, I commend my spirit, ” and died. There was a great earthquake. One of the soldiers said, “The God of nature suffers.” The veil in the temple that shielded the holiest area was torn. A soldier drove a spear into Jesus’ side to make sure he was dead. The disciples took Jesus body and carefully placed it in a tomb. A large rock was set to seal the tomb where Jesus’ body stayed for 3 days.

            On Sunday morning, two angels came and rolled the stone away. Mary Magdalene came to the tomb. She saw that it was empty. She ran to tell the apostles. Peter and John ran to the tomb. They looked inside and saw the burial cloth and went home. Mary stayed nearby, crying. She looked inside and saw the angels. They asked why she was crying, saying, “Why seek ye the living among the dead? ”She did not understand. She turned around and saw a man standing nearby. He asked why she was crying. She thought he was a gardener; then He said, ”Mary.” She knew it was Jesus and that he was alive. He asked her to tell the apostles that He was resurrected.

            Later, Jesus visited the apostles. He let them feel the nail prints in his hands and feet. He ate dinner with them. Other righteous people were resurrected and seen by people in the city. Jesus taught the apostles how to lead His church. He would go back to heaven, but the Holy Ghost would help them. They taught people the gospel and healed them.

            The history of the first Easter was a beautiful story. People have celebrated the atonement and resurrection of Jesus for almost 2,000 years. The day of the Easter holiday changes every year. It falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal (Spring) Equinox on March 21^st (as determined by the Nicene Council in 325 A.D.)

            Easter is a very important holiday. Today we celebrate by going to church, singing songs about the Savior’s resurrection and triumph over sin and death. We remember to share and be kind to others.

Easter 4-In-A-Row

Print several of these pages. Cut them apart and reassemble them in different orders to make pages with 4 images across and 4 down. Play 4-In-A-Row like bingo. Use candy, buttons or other small objects to mark the pictures as the story is read. The first person to get 4 in a row wins.

Mark 11 : 7 – 11

7  And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

8  And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

9  And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

10  Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

11  And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

 Matthew 21 :12 – 13

12  And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves,

13  And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.

Luke 22 : 10

10  And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.

 Luke 22 : 11 – 12

11  And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

12  And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.

Matthew 26 : 26 – 29

26   And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

27  And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28  For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

29  But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

John 13 : 3 – 5

3  Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God;

4  He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

5  After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Matthew 26 : 14 – 16

14  Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,

15  And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?  And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

16  And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.

 John 18 : 1

1  When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.

Luke 22 : 50 – 51

50  And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51  And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far.  And he touched his ear, and healed him.

Luke 22 : 54 – 62

54  Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest’s house.  And Peter followed afar off.

55  And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.

56  But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

57  And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.

58  And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them.  And Peter said, Man, I am not.

59  And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilæan.

60  And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest.  And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.

61  And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.

62  And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.

Mark 15 : 15

15  And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.

 Matthew 27 : 24

24  When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

Mark 15:17

17  And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

John 19 : 23 – 24

3  Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

24  They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots.  These things therefore the soldiers did.

Luke 23 : 38

38  And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

Matt 28 : 2

2  And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.

EASTER STORY EGGS

This sweet little activity teaches small children about the miracle of Easter. A basket is filled with colored plastic Easter eggs containing scripture verses and objects that represent Christ’s experience.

You will need

12 medium to large plastic Easter eggs that open and the objects below.

With a fine point permanent marker write the numbers 1 – 12 on the ends of the plastic eggs. Copy and cut apart the scriptures of the Easter story and place in the numbered eggs with the following:

1. A small cup or wooden thimble (from craft store)

2. Three dimes

3. A 4″ piece of twine

4. A small piece of soap

5. A small robe cut from red felt

6. A small wooden cross or brown card stock cross

7. Two dice

8. A small square of white fabric torn almost in half

9. A square of white fabric

10. A small stone

11. A few cloves, a piece of cinnamon stick, bay leaf

12. Nothing – this represents the empty tomb

Have the children open the eggs in order to read the Easter story.

Tell the story about the sacrament of the Last Supper and Christ’s night in Gethsemane, how he paid the price for all of mankind’s sins if they repented and that they might be able to return to heaven and live with the Father . The following scripture verses are taken from the New Testament in the Holy Bible. 

1. “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:42 – 43)

2. Zechariah, a prophet of the Old Testament foretold that Christ would be ransomed or betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. ” (Matthew 26: 14 – 15)

3. “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. (Matthew 27: 1 -2)

4. “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. (Matthew 27: 24)

5. “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had plaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.” (Matthew 27: 28 – 30)

6. “And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” (Matthew 27: 31 – 32.)

7. “And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.” (Matthew 27: 35)

8. “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27: 50, 51, 54)

9. “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathæa, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth” (Matthew 27; 58 – 60)

10. “And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” (Matthew 27: 60, 65, 66)

11. “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow…Andthe angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. (Mark 16: 1, Matthew 28: 2 – 5)

12. “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead” Matthew 28: 6 – 7) 

And so we celebrate the joy of eternal life with our loved ones every Easter. Here are a few more ideas to make the holiday fun for your children.

This easy-to-make treat for you published in multiple media sites. The instructions and recipe are on these great newspaper websites: 

Deseret News in Utah:
 http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865625429/Butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-Easter-treats.html

Deseret News Service nationwide:
http://www.deseretnewsservice.com/butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-easter-treats-261401

News OK Syndicate in Oklahoma:
http://newsok.com/butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-easter-treats/article/5406421?prevArticle=1&linkPosition=anchored

Herald Times in Indiana:
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/life/butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-easter-treats/article_fe458694-0d80-5307-9b61-27f3290bd6f5.html

Aberdeen News in South Dakota
http://www.aberdeennews.com/life/butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-easter-treats/article_a4fc93db-e8b4-54dd-b748-3dd719619231.html

Daily American in Pennsylvania:
http://www.dailyamerican.com/life/butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-easter-treats/article_fb612e2f-fb61-50e7-b5dd-bc63240dfbae.html

The Coastal Courier in Georgia:
http://coastalcourier.com/archives/72612/

The Santa Clarita Valley Signal in California:
http://www.signalscv.com/archives/134927/

The Chronicle Independent in South Carolina:
http://www.chronicle-independent.com/archives/36816/

The Reporter Times in Indiana:
http://www.reporter-times.com/life/butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-easter-treats/image_cc353b36-2a0c-5b83-bcc7-4c03544af6a2.html

Imperial Valley Press in California:
http://www.ivpressonline.com/life/butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-easter-treats/image_b6323114-6c63-5f3d-a29b-8da8adce4eed.html

Our Town, Johnstown Pennsylvania:
http://www.ourtownjohnstown.com/life/butterscotch-nests-with-personalized-eggs-are-delightful-easter-treats/article_a9f9bbbb-507d-5b6c-a3df-c4ac491a5c27.html?mode=jqm

GRILLED ROSEMARY DIJON LAMB

This barbecued lamb is tender and delicious, even those who don’t like lamb may enjoy it.    In a small bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients

3 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp finely chopped shallot

1 Tbsp lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp dried rosemary leaves, crushed or 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper           

In plastic bag, place marinade and4 lamb loin chops. Squeeze out air, seal and marinate in refrigerator 1 – 4 hours. To barbecue, drain marinade and dry chops, cook on oiled grill over medium high heat 7 – 10 minutes per side until done to your liking. 

EASTER CELEBRATIONS WITH CHILDREN

EASTER EGG HUNT

One of the highlights of spring for children! They enjoy decorating eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide. At some houses the bunny hides the basket too. We have our hunt on Saturday to focus on the Savior on the Sabbath. There are all sorts of yummy candies on the market for Easter. If you want to cut the sugar; dried fruit, nuts, small crackers and natural treats are a good alternative. And money – kids like money.

DYING EGGS

For perfect hard-boiled eggs:

Allow the eggs to come to room temperature

Place eggs in a single layer in a pot

Add cold water to two inches above eggs

Set stove on high heat, boil one minute, cover, turn off heat and let sit for 15 – 20 minutes. Remove one egg, run it under cool water and peel to test for doneness.

Pour off cooking water; cover eggs with cool water.

Drain and store in the refrigerator for up to five days.

TO COLOR BOILED EGGS

An easy, inexpensive dye can be made from food coloring, water and white vinegar.

For each pot of dye place in a container (the taller and narrower the better)

            1 C warm water

            1 TBSP white vinegar

            a few drops of food coloring

Place colored eggs in cardboard egg cartons to dry. For variations: draw on dry eggs with markers, add stickers and stars.

FOR MARBLEIZED EGGS

Dye eggs using the above method.

Place 1/2″ to 3/4″ of a dye mixture in the bottom of a shallow bowl.
 Start with 1 teaspoon, and add 1 to 3 teaspoons of canola, olive or vegetable oil to the dye. The base color will show through more with a larger amount of oil
Gently place an egg in the bowl. Use a fork or spoon to drizzle a few drops of dye over the egg to make a marbleized effect. Food coloring dyes the egg quickly. Using more oil in the dye bath will keep it from seeping into the egg too fast. Remove egg, place on a paper towel to dry. Wipe egg carefully. Avoid contact with furniture or other fabric.

Sugar Cookies

Cream

1 C butter, softened
1 1/2 C sugar
1 egg
2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp lemon flavoring

Set aside. In another bowl sift together

1 1/2 C all-purpose flour
1 C whole wheat flour
2 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a smooth dough is formed.
Add 1 – 2 tsp water if necessary. Wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Roll
out fough on floured surface to 1/2 ” thick. Cut with cookie cutters, place on
lightly-greased cookie sheets. bake at 400 6- 8 minutes, until golden around
the edges. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then remove to a cookie rack. Frost with
Lemon Buttercream Frosting.

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

Cream together

1 C butter, softened
1 tsp lemon flavoring

Mix in

1 lb. powdered sugar
2 – 3 tBSP milk

Divide and add food coloring as desired (we used neon for the cookies in the photo). These are so delicious and can be baked ahead and frozen.

EASTER BASKET GOODIES

GIVE THE EASTER BUNNY THE HEADS UP ON THINGS YOUR CHILDREN ENJOY!

Glow-in-the-dark Silly Putty Eggs or scented putty in tins

Handmade bunnies, pompom chicks and ducks

German paper mache eggs containing small cars, dolls, and animals

Money egg:  fold up a $5 or larger bill, put it in a special egg

Bubbles

Bird whistles

Tickets to a movie, concert or play

Jewelry

Fruit Snacks, Goldfish crackers

Jars of jam

Nuts, Jordan almonds

Ribbon, Cute shoelaces

A key to ?

Socks

Small games

A gift certificate for an ebook;  hobby or skill lessons

Stationary, pen

Balls, Slinky, Yo-yo

China teacups and saucers

Peter Rabbit or Bunnykin dishes

Dissolving capsules with creatures or animals

Easter snowglobe

Folding paper fan, origami animals

Paper dolls, Jacks

Wind-up toys

Candles

Rubber duckies

Lip balm, makeup, fancy soap

Crayons, pencils, markers, paints and brushes

Refrigerator magnets

Fast food gift certificates

Finger puppets from foreign countries

Flower and vegetable seed packets for the garden

Decorated cookies

Stickers

Sewing cards made with vintage images, cardstock and yarn

Chinese jump rope, small puzzles

Action figures – especially prophets and sisters (available at LDS bookstores)

Is the Easter Bunny at your house looking for easy inexpensive gifts to fill the baskets? Here’s a cute and easy project:

You will need:
2 twelve inch scrapbook papers
2 plain white 8.5″ x 11″ papers for each booklet
miniature colored pencils (shown from Michael’s Crafts)
gluestick or glue
grommets, punch and setter or sewing machine
twine or ribbon

Attach the scrapbook papers together with right sides out using the adhesive.

Cut into 4″ x 12″ strips. Decide which will be the outside, lay the paper with the outside down. Fold 2” of the bottom edge up toward the center and crease. Punch holes and use grommets in the corners or stitch to make a pocket.

Bring the top edge down to the bottom fold and crease the center, it should be 5″‘ x 4″ . Set aside the cover.

Fold the white paper lengthwise into 4.25″ x 11″. Cut into three strips 4.25″ x 3.66″ Stack the six sheets and punch holes on the crease, about an inch in from each edge.

Lay the white papers on the cover, center them and punch matching holes in the cover. Tie together with twine or ribbon.

Tuck pencils into pocket and give to darling little people.

EASTER NECKLACES

Red licorice laces

Froot Loops cereal

fruit lifesavers

Marshmallow peeps; bunnies and chicks

            Use a bamboo skewer to poke a hole sideways through the peeps. Have the children thread the Froot Loops and lifesavers onto the licorice, add a peep and more lifesavers and cereal. Use a small piece of duct tape to close ends.

For more colorful and happy ideas visit my Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/pammcmurtry/a-spring-holiday/

And since shopping is a challenge again this year – be sure to order your Easter things early! Many of your favorite retailers will deliver to your home.

Also, visit Hilltop Farm, the home of Peter Rabbit https://pamm4.sg-host.com/2019/01/beatrix-potters-menagerie-a-trip-to-hilltop-farm.html

Historians say that Caesar didn’t want Ireland in his empire; he didn’t want to deal with the fierce Celtic warriors. Our trip to Ireland a little while back taught us that the Irish have grown into a warm, hospitable bunch and we LOVED them. The beginning of the transformation of these formerly warring pagans into a hospitable, compassionate culture was their conversion to Christianity by a great missionary, the inimitable – St. Patrick. Yes, he started off as an agnostic spoiled British teen, but a run-in with pirates and a few years in the solitude of sheep-herding slavery mellowed and molded him into a force for good in the world. Let’s do a recap of his history:

Did you know that St. Patrick wasn’t Irish?

Patrick was born Maewyn Succat, around 385 A.D in Britain. His father belonged to a Roman family of high rank and was a government official in Gaul or Britain. His mother was a near relative of the patron of Gaul, St. Martin of Tours.

Maewyn grew up without faith even though his parents tried to teach him the gospel of Christ. When he was 16 years old, he was working on his family’s seaside estate when he was kidnapped by a band of fierce Irish pirates who took him to Ireland and sold him to a wealthy Druid. For six years as he labored as a slave, tending sheep and living outdoors, he learned the language and ways of the Irish. Living in lonely solitude, he began to pray and repent of his youthful follies and his faith in God and love for Him grew.

One night he had a dream in which he was told to fast and prepare to escape, a ship was waiting for him; he fled and secretly journeyed 200 miles to the coast. A runaway slave, he would have been killed if he was discovered. He said later that God directed his journey, showing him the way to go. When he arrived at the coast and prepared to board the ship, the captain refused to take him. He went a short distance away and prayed that the captain would change his mind. The sailors called after him, telling him to hurry back.

During the voyage, the ship wrecked and the crew and passengers were stranded in a deserted place. After four weeks, they were starving and began to be ill. The captain asked him why he did not pray to his God to help them. Maewyn asked the Lord for help; a herd of pigs appeared, providing the men with much-needed food. The captain kept Maewyn as a slave for several more years. One night he heard a voice that told him he would be free in two months, and he was. He now knew what he wanted to do with his life. He went to France to study Christianity at Tours, at the monastery of his relative, St. Martin. He was ordained a bishop and given the Latin name “Patricus,” meaning “Noble” or “Father.” He finally arrived home and his family was overjoyed to see him, but Patrick had a strong prompting that he should travel to Ireland and teach the message of Christ to the pagan people there.

Upon returning to Ireland, he began to teach the people in their own tongue. As he served the people in meekness and love, they began to respond to him and listen to his message. He traveled among the pagans, converting the chieftains and their tribes. He built churches and Christian schools. One story tells how he met the Druids as they gathered at Tara for a demonic conference one Easter. He withstood their magic and curses and held off an attack by the Arch-Druid leader who was killed. He taught the convened Druids twice. At first, the Irish chiefs resisted him and opposed his work, but because of his love for God and kindness toward all men and persistence, they began to believe in him and his faith. He served for more than 30 years in Ireland. Almost all of the Druid chiefs and their followers became Christians.

When Patrick died on March 17th, in the fifth century, there was great mourning throughout the land. The Irish people made the day a memorial to the great Christian missionary, Patrick. And even today, over 15 centuries later, his life and work are celebrated throughout many nations around the world.

DID YOU KNOW?

That you can read St. Patrick’s own autobiography and testimony? “The Confessio of Saint Patrick” was written in Latin and was later translated into English.

That St. Patrick’s color was blue?

That the authentic Irish meal for St. Patrick’s Day was boiled bacon and potatoes?

Corned beef was a dish that Irish immigrants from the Potato Famine era in the 1840s started eating after they settled in New York. They were very poor and could only afford inexpensive cuts of beef. After saving money for several days they would, maybe once a week, purchase a piece of meat. Because there were no refrigerators yet, they learned to brine the beef in a salted liquid and spices to make it last for a few meals, which is where corned beef came from.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY IDEAS FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS

FAMILY TIPS: SHAMROCK SERVICE

Before St. Patrick’s Day, talk to your family about service. Explain that St. Patrick used the symbol of the shamrock to teach about the Godhead. It also is said to represent faith, hope and charity – if there is a fourth leaf it represents luck. To honor the tradition, pass out paper shamrocks or stickers and invite your family to do secret acts of service for each other. When a kind deed is done, leave a shamrock to mark the spot. The recipient can write a brief description of the service. Place the shamrocks on the table for decorations for your holiday dinner.

LILTING MUSIC

Nothing brings the Emerald Isles feeling like Irish music. Buy a few downloads and create your own playlist; CDs can be purchased at music, party or craft stores, or checked out from the library. Can you dance a jig?

MAGIC AT THE MOVIES

For Irish-style entertainment, these movies can’t be beat! Disney’s “Darby O’Gill and the Little People;” Sayle’s “The Secret of Roan Inish;” and “Riverdance.” Don’t forget the TV travel shows featuring tours of Ireland.

IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN

Tint everything green with food coloring: green milk, green eggs, cookies, even green bread for sandwiches. Yes, it’s gross, but the kids get a kick out of it! A not-so-bad treat… green sherbet in lemon-lime soda.

WEARIN’ O THE GREEN

Yes, St. Patrick’s color was blue, but today’s celebration calls for the green of Catholic Northern Ireland, or orange of Protestant Southern Ireland. Invite everyone to wear something green and/or orange to dinner. Decorate the house with pots of flowers, tied bunches of dried herbs, flowers or wheat with green ribbons to create a festive air.

READ ALL ABOUT IT

For a fun and enlightening time, read books with your children about leprechauns, St. Patrick and Ireland. Teaching them about other cultures helps them learn to appreciate and love people who are different from themselves. For an intellectual treat read Thomas Cahill’s “How the Irish Saved Civilization.”

MYSTERIOUS TREASURES

Leave a plate of green treats on the doorstep of a neighbor or friend; with a note from an anonymous friendly leprechaun. Ding-dong-ditch if you are fast enough!

AN IRISH BLESSING FOR YOUR HOME

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face

May rains fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again,

May God keep you in the hollow of His hand.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and Erin go Braugh (Ireland Forever!)

Here’s our annual Irish feast: taitneamh a bhaint as (Enjoy!)

GLAZED CORNED BEEF

This is so tasty, you may never go back to old-school boiled corned beef. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place fat side up in a baking pan
1 corned beef brisket, rinsed, don’t use the spice packet
   Cover with foil, bake for 2 1/2 hours or until fork-tender. Drain, score with a knife,    stud with
whole cloves
   baste with
ginger ale
   brush on glaze, return to oven and bake for 30 – 40 minutes uncovered. Let cool for 15 minutes,
       slice across the grain

BROWN SUGAR MUSTARD GLAZE

   Stir together  
1/2 C prepared mustard
1/2 C + 2 TBSP brown sugar

                                                        DIJON-BUTTERED CABBAGE

    Cut in half, remove core and cut into 1/2″ slices
1 medium head of cabbage
    Steam covered for 6 to 8 minutes until crisp-tender, drain, drizzle with Dijon butter and season
    with sea salt and pepper.

DIJON BUTTER
   Melt
1/2 C butter
   Stir in
2 1/2  TBSP Dijon mustard

                                                       LEPRECHAUN TREASURE DESSERT

The leprechauns keep this hidden until the end of the meal for good reason. You might wish to dig out a Halloween cauldron to serve this dessert sprinkled with gold (chocolate) coins; this treasure has layers of rich chocolate goodness. You may wish to make your own or buy these ingredients:

1 pan of brownies (9″ x 13″ size)
1/2 gallon good-quality mint and chip ice cream
fudge sauce
whipped cream
shaved chocolate

BROWNIES

   Bake brownies according to package directions, then cool and break into large chunks

FUDGE SAUCE
   Warm in a sauce pan
1 1/2 C heavy cream
   Add and stir until melted
16 oz. milk chocolate chips or chocolate bars
1 tsp vanilla

WHIPPED CREAM

    In a chilled bowl, whip until soft peaks form
1 1/2 C heavy cream or whipping cream
1/4 C powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla

ASSEMBLE LEPRECHAUN TREASURE DESSERT:

  In a cauldron or other container layer:
brownies
fudge sauce
ice cream
brownies
fudge sauce
ice cream
fudge sauce
whipped cream

Sprinkle with shaved chocolate and serve with gold coins