Art, Holidays, Health and Nutrition, Science; Fiction and otherwise
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:
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 21st (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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
15 And so Pilate, willing to content the people, released Barabbas unto them, and delivered Jesus, when he had scourged him, to be crucified.
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.
17 And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,
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.
38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
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.
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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!
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
The Cardinal was so right. The healthier the marriages, the healthier the homes, the children and the stronger the country. The world becomes a better place.
For this reason McMurtry Creative Media shares ideas for building family through interaction, traditions and love.
I love my husband, kids and grandkids, family and also my friends, neighbors and ancestors. Aaaand let’s talk for a second about the varieties of love besides the essential romantic type. Oh Valetine’s, Galentine’s, Palentinte’s…it’s all about love.
“What the world needs now is love, sweet love…” (Hal David and Burt Bacharach. )
Here are some of our favorite ideas for sharing love this Valentine’s Day and all through the year.
By Pamela Layton McMurtry
I love the love. I revel in the red hearts and luscious flowers; the beauty of sweeping romantic gestures that define Valentine’s Day. Before you rush out to buy those long-stemmed, red roses or sew that monogrammed bathrobe – although I am certainly not discouraging the practice – you might take a moment to assess whether that act of kindness will speak of your love to your love.
In his book, The Five Love Languages, author Gary Chapman, PhD. describes languages that speak to the heart. He says that many genuine acts of love and kindness go unappreciated, because the message didn’t translate to fill the needs of the recipient. The five primary love languages, according to Dr. Chapman, are:
All are valuable and helpful, but have you heard of the Platinum Rule? It states, “Do unto others as they would like to have done unto them.” In other words, give them what they want. It seems most people have two primary love languages. Many women have appreciated being taken to a nice dinner, but what they were hungry for was quality time with their loved one, or kind words without biting sarcasm, dismissive comments or unnecessary judgments.
And a husband might appreciate an elaborately prepared handmade gift, but what really says love might be a massage or positive feedback on a project. See if you can identify the love languages of your spouse, partner, friends and children. Ask them what makes them feel loved.
Here are a few ideas for Valentine gifts that can show your love.
“Seek in every way to be infused with light…
Words matter because words lodge in our cells and in our souls and even in the walls of our homes.” Wendy Watson Nelson
It’s apparent that showing love doesn’t have to cost a great deal of money, but an investment of time and thought.
Love heals and cheers and is the answer to the world’s ills. Make sure the love you share is the love they need. Share the love this season and make your world a bit of heaven on earth.
Abraham, the father of many nations, set an example of loving when he and his nephew Lot had hired shepherds who were disputing over their grazing lands. Abraham generously suggested they should divide the land and he let Lot choose which area he wanted. Think of the wars that could be averted if we all learned to listen and share and stop coveting what others have.
Need more ideas – check these and more on Pinterest
Christmas is my favorite time of year and this season was just as exciting and colorful as I’d hoped.
During the long summer of 2021 while care taking for my elderly Mom who lives with us and has dementia, I worked on an original project; the idea for which came to me years ago. I had gathered wool felt and all summer designed 24 vintage-style stockings for an advent calendar. Over the long hot months, I hand-stitched each little stocking adding retro ephemera, beads, rickrack, glass glitter and other items from my collection and local thrift stores (try finding Christmas items in your craft store in June.) I frequent Deseret Industries, a chain of thrift stores owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All the proceeds from sales and donations go to help those in need. And, like a good garage or estate sale, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. I did find some rusty jingle bells and fake snow at JoAnn and ribbon and rick rack at Hobby Lobby. For the holidays I entwined honeysuckle and pine garland and hung it at the entry of the dining room then clipped each stocking in place – photos below. The patterns will be available in my Christmas book and my Etsy shop next year.
We traditionally kick off the holidays by acquiring a fresh tree. Our intrepid explorers Tim and Hannah had purchased a permit from the Bureau of Land Management to harvest a tree on federal land. Newell had the idea that they could pick one up for us while they were in the mountains in Wyoming so we bought a permit – the idea was popular; Hannah’s Mom and aunt joined in. So off they went in the old ranch truck and soon delivered each a beautiful tree (not sure what type.)
After a few false starts of it trying to escape the tree stand, we got it stabilized and started decorating it. Instead of the rich scent of fresh evergreen, it had a strange odor – like a moose had used the area for a rest stop. My sister’s gift solved the dilemma – more about that later.
Our first Christmas event was the Living Nativity by the Bonneville Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City Utah.
To share the Christmas Spirit, our church creates a beautiful live nativity; held in the glen where Tim and Hannah’s wedding reception was held last spring
St. Nicholas Eve
Our youngest son was born on St. Nicholas Eve, December 5th. The patron saint of children and sailors, St. Nick holds a special place in our hearts. Our tradition when Tim was growing up was to have special Santa’s supper on his birthday. Elf-sized burgers, Frosty’s fries, Reindeer food (corn) and a Rudolph milkshake were the fare. Now older, with more sophisticated taste, Tim opted for another menu. This was actually the dinner we served after his baptism at age 8 in the Newport Beach 1st Ward. His birthday fell on Sunday this year, so dining out was not an option we would choose. Instead we made family favorites Asian salad, won ton and tempura shrimp with teriyaki, orange and sweet and sour sauces. Tim doesn’t eat sugar except on 8 holidays a year. Hannah made him a chocolate mousse cheesecake without sugar that was a big hit. We added and a fruit and cheese platter and everything worked out beautifully! Because I had made banners and paper fans for their pre-wedding game night in the spring, I recycled the decor for the birthday and holiday season. We celebrate a lot of birthdays in December – granddaughter Ellyza, Tim, niece Allyssa, the prophet of the Restoration – Joseph Smith, The Lord Jesus Christ, myself , grandson Trevor, the late Granddaddy Roberts.
Vacation right before Christmas?
I had been requesting my husband take a week off who we could have a small vacation for months. The hospital he works for has been hit hard with Covid, like so many, so finally when they could spare him it was Dec 11-18. He wisely decided that we should take the opportunity to go to California to visit our 5 kids that live there and my best friend. The timing was a bit tricky but we scrambled to get all of our Christmas prep done before we departed.
Sometime last year when the economic reality of a recession, supply chain disruptions and shortages came true, I began to think about emergency preparedness. Not a new concept, I’ve been a proponent and have worked to be prepared but I got to thinking about my adult children and their families and wondered how they were doing. So this year we hit the preparedness aisle at Costco to buy buckets of freeze-dried emergency meals for each family plus a pair of Ove Gloves for cooking under various conditions. Not romantic at all and I hope not one of us ever has to open and use the food but sometimes practicality wins – even at Christmas. But Ove Gloves rule. The day following our first significant snowstorm in Utah we hit the salted road.
Emergency prep stuff is not much of a gift (at the time) for grandkiddos so in addition to this we got them games and regional treats from Utah that aren’t sold in California, and filled treat bags with some of our favorites and a little bit of cash; then we bundled everything up and drove all over California to see our California children and grandchildren, my sister, my BFF Mary aaaand my hometown and the beach, all of which I love dearly. We were going to spend an afternoon at the Getty Center in Los Angeles but someone forgot to print his Covid passport from the hospital he works at and doesn’t have access off-campus without a special code generator. So the Getty was out but a stop at Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach took away the sting of aesthetic disappointment.
Saturday and Sunday in Fresno.
Our first day of the great adventure we left frosty Salt Lake City heading for Fresno, CA. 13 hours later we arrived at the welcoming home of our son Bill and his family. We have found the best time to catch Bill at home is on the weekend. We woke up Sunday in time to get to church where Bill delivered a beautiful message about Jesus Christ, his birth, grace, example and ultimate sacrifice to save all who would accept Him. Bill, an attorney, built a convincing case for the Atonement using logic, scripture references, evidence and his thoughtful and true love of the Savior. This Mom was so thrilled to see her son in action.
His son Will prepared a dinner of marinated and grilled chicken tacos, we visited and played games into the evening.
Monday in Los Gatos
On rainy roads, we made the trek to see Heather and her family in the mountain community of Los Gatos between Santa Cruz and San Jose. We arrived safely and were thrilled to see our 3 adorable grandchildren, their cheery home and a Christmas tree that looked almost exactly like ours. Funny story: her husband who was patrolling roads for his law enforcement work, saw a tree on the center divider. He pulled it off, dropped it at a side road and told his family they had a treasure hunt to find something for Christmas. They found it and took it home. Apparently theirs tried to escape the tree holder as well, but finally settled into its role. And it was so dang cute. We had 24 hours in the rain with our Los Gatos family. Ate out, did a little shopping – it was fun!
To Vista
My best friend’s house is my second home. I hope she feels the same at mine – welcome, safe and loved. Mary always has room and time for us. She even came down with a cough that required her to take a day off from work and hit the main holiday scenes with me: Hobby Lobby, we took some her Christmas things from storage and decorated with them. She sadly lost a sister-in-law this past year and had a few of her belongings that she wanted to share with family and friends. I was given 3 apothecary jars, some red plates and yellow bowls that have come in so handy. They introduced us to a new card game – Five Crowns and we played our requisite Trek to Zion (I never win.) Like all of our visits, this ended to soon. But there was time to do a little sight-seeing; my parents’ first house in Carlsbad, the home we rented when Heather was born, my hometown beach.
San Diego here we come!
A trip to Dylan’s family is always a busy, fun time. With 3 little kiddos that love stories and games and coloring, there is always something charming going on. Knowing this, I found a Pretty, Pretty Princess game for 6 year-old granddaughter Ella. You would have thought we gifted her the treasures of King Tut. Cute little princess.
Back to Vista
My sister Melissa and family live in the perfect weather of Vista (actually ranked one of the world’s top weather locations.) Her family has had a tough year, her corporate Senior VP position was eliminated when a company bought hers, her husband has had a bout of ill health but her two teens are ok. We met their 2 house bunnies and learned that another company created a position for her and her husband just learned he was cancer-free. Thankfully. After a quick trip to Frazier farms for oranges (5 lbs for a dollar – beat that Utah.) a dragon fruit, some dates and other goodies we headed north.
As mentioned earlier, our excursion to the Getty was cancelled due to lack of Covid passport. Bummer, but Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach filled the deep well of disappointment.
Through Los Angeles, my real hometown, I was born there while my Dad attended USC.
Up the road to Bakersfield where daughter Laurel had finished teaching high school history that day and hosted a 2 day family party. Her home looked like a layout from a Christmas catalog. Wow. Complete with cookie decorating and sprinkles. Lots of sprinkles. Lots of LOVE.
Is St. George on the way?
Yes, and that means a quick overnight stop to see sister Cindy, husband Dave and stepmom Linda. Cindy, in her first departure from a live Christmas tree, got a stunning white one to decorate with her signature red and white Christmas themed ornaments. She said if it was going to be a fake tree, why not make it obvious and do it right? Good point.
We share the same love of vintage styles and it was fun to see her old-style Rudolph dolls and other retro objects. She said she knew she was going to miss the fresh tree smell so she researched and found a pine-scented candle that was very close to the real thing. She bought us one too. None of us knew it would be the remedy for the too-natural scent eminating from our wild mountain tree!
She made us a yummy breakfast, we zoomed the church service and off we went to pick up Mom from her respite care center and head home – exactly 7 days before Christmas.
One project I hadn’t finished was the gifts for neighbors and friends. I repurposed a set of lanterns that were purchased for the wedding but not used; they became gifts for neighbors and friends for centerpieces or nightlights.
And then it was Christmas Eve. We have a traditional menu of appetizers and dinner that we like so well we rarely vary it. This year finding a beef roast was a little tricky (supply chain disruptions.) Preparing a dinner for 5, I didn’t need a huge roast; the choices were a small rump roast or a huge rib roast. I was concerned that the small (3 pound) lean roast would be tough but there was a recipe online that we tried and loved. Our Christmas Eve Menu:
Cooked shrimp in Homemade Chili Sauce (R) over cream cheese with crackers (We had Breton, poppyseed and water crackers but my favorite turned out to be big Wheat Thins by Nabisco.
Crudites with Hidden Valley Fiesta dip
A cheese and cracker platter with Stilton cheddar with apricot, assorted cheeses, crackers, pears and apples, dried fruit and nuts
Roast beef with sour cream and horseradish sauce
Au Gratin potatoes
Million Dollar Salad
Croissants, mini
Martinelli’s Bluch and apple cranberry sparkling ciders
Our dessert buffet included pecan sandies, M&M cookies, peanut butter cookies with Reese’s mini cups, mixed nut toffee, Peppermint truffle cocoa and Walker’s shortbread cookies, soft peppermint sticks served on a tiered Spode serving dish.
The table was set with a plaid tablecloth from Tim’s baptism, apothecary jars filled with fairy lights, sparkling faux snow and peppermint sticks, candy canes and sparkling snowflakes. Tall Mercury glass candle holders held red and white striped candles, smaller Mercury glass cups held votive candles, there were beaded snowflakes and glittered snowflakes sprinkled around.
The table was set with Spode Christmas tree china, Aunt Michalyn’s silverware, French linen napkins, beaded snowflake napkin rings, vintage Christmas candle glasses and Waechtersbach red salad plates. It was charming and cheerful and my husband didn’t have to deal with seasonal glitter.
Under the beautiful holiday lights from the garlands and Christmas tree, we read the story of the Nativity from Luke and Matthew in the Bible, sang our favorite carols and tried to recite A Visit From St. Nick from memory. We exchanged gifts with Grandma, Tim and Hannah and enjoyed seeing what Santa had left in his secret bag.
We had a wonderful Christmas season and today on Epiphany, January 6, I am beginning to consider starting to put it away. Maybe.
Every autumn we pause and review our blessings. I, for one, am grateful to be able access my website – an error sent it into oblivion for the past few weeks. Today it’s back!
A wise man once said, “…things could be better, but they could also be worse.”
This Thanksgiving as we are caretaking for my elderly Mom, we needed to stay home. We moved our dinner to Wednesday night to be able to celebrate with our son and his wife who were heading to Wyoming on Thursday to be with her family and help vaccinate their 300 head of cattle. We invited friends Alexis and John to join us. Alexis observes the laws of kosher eating so we needed to be careful with the menu.
I was finding challenges planning for our meal so I decided to raid my stash of props and dishes and see what I could do using what I already had. I spent less than $10, yes it helps that I had a catering business a while back…
We have our favorite Thanksgiving menu every year, but I’m always looking for new foods to freshen up the traditions. This year we added cranberry salsa. I’m not fan of the fresh cranberry and orange rind recipe, this added just the right touch of heat. This is the third time I’ve made it and we finally hit the jackpot!
Fresh Cranberry Salsa
1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries (remove a few for garnish)
1 bunch cilantro, stems removed and leaves chopped coarsely
1 bunch green onions, cut into 3 inch lengths
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1/4 cup Nellie and Joe’s key lime juice
1/2 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
Coarsely chop cranberries in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a medium blade, set aside. Chop cilantro, green onions and jalapeno peppers. Stir together with cranberries, lime juice, sugar, and salt. Refrigerate if not using immediately. Serve at room temperature as a condiment or spoon over cream cheese and serve with Breton crackers.
This is our traditional menu, started by my Mom and maybe hers before her. I remember my grandmother talking about having to scald and take the feathers out of fresh poultry. She said by the time she was done she didn’t feel like eating it!
THANKSGIVING MENU
Roast turkey, herbed if you are lucky enough to have Tim prepare it 😉
Mashed potatoes – this year I cooked them ahead of time. After reheating them, we added cream, milk, butter, salt and pepper. Apparently if you cook them, then chill them, the cooling does something amazing to the texture. We were happy with the results.
Herbed gravy – turkey drippings and broth, thickened with cornstarch and seasoned with fresh sage and rosemary.
Sweet potatoes, if you rub the skins with vegetable oil before baking, they will slip right off. We served them plain for purists and Tim made a souffle with coconut milk and maple crunch topping.
Green bean casserole, yes, the French’s onion ring classic. No alterations, this is my husband’s favorite part of the dinner.
Cornbread stuffing, I do not like the soggy stuff that we dig out of the turkey. This year I tried Mrs. Cubbison’s cornbread stuffing mix lite recipe cooked in a crockpot. The celery and onions were sauteed before adding the stuffing mix, butter and broth. Try substituting broth for part of the butter, you will not miss the calories at all. I added dry sage and cooked it in a plaid crockpot for 1 1/2 hours on high. Perfection. We offered toasted pecans on the side (bake 7 minutes at 350 degrees.)
Cranberry salsa and whole berry sauce (canned organic)
Ambrosia or 5 Cup Salad – a recipe from an earlier era. The sweetness balances the saltiness of the other dishes.
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 cup sour cream
1 cup canned pineapple tidbits, drained
1 cup mandarin oranges, draind
Fold together gently and refrigerate overnight.
Rolls, butter and jam
Martinelli’s blush and mango apple ciders
Pecan pie
Key Lime Pie (recipe on the Nellie and Joe’s Key Lime Juice bottle)
Whipped cream
To all our family and friends, we are thankful for you!
OOOOooo the beauty of autumn! Whether you are planning a harvest celebration or Halloween party we have ideas to light up your nights. A Harvest and Halloween Handbook is like a best friend who knows how to cook – and here are some of our favorite ideas to help you plan your happiest Halloween.
Since Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, you might want to host an alternative party. Consider a get-together, neighborhood trick-or-treat or trunk or treat on a Friday or Saturday night for religious reasons or to avoid a Monday morning hangover for sugared-up school-kiddos.
2. Select a THEME
Why not try something new this year?
Gratitude for the blessings of the harvest is a cross-cultural multi-millennia-old foundation for fall festivities.
Perhaps a party calling to mind the historic settings of your family heritage would be entertaining. Consider early American, Western, European, Asian or Central American or African themes. The French have La Toussiant, the Latin Americans remember their ancestors on Dia De Los Muertos. Jewish friends celebrate blessings of the harvest with Sukkot or the Feast of the Tabernacles.
There are classic themes based on country fairs, earlier eras and literature such as “Winnie the Pooh,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Take a new Halloween theme and give it a traditional Halloween look by using lots of orange, purple, yellow, citron and black, stars, lightening bolts, moons and other Halloween icons.
Create a Halloween western adventure, explore space, have a pirate romp, “It’s a jungle out there,” expedition, medieval festival or dress as characters from Cinderella or another favorite fairy tale, event or story. How about a fashion show with an invitation to come as your favorite ______or host a “Come as you really are” party.
3. Send out/deliver INVITATIONS
4. DECORATE – because, you know, “all the world’s a stage…”
5. Plan a MENU
Make it elaborate or easy on yourself! Let your guests help too.
6. FUN AND GAMES for kids of all ages! What’s a party without games and diversions?
7. COSTUMES AND DRESS-UP
Wherever and however you celebrate – we hope you have the happiest Halloween of all!
Yes, intrepid art lovers, this watercolor shepherdess is after William Bouguereau, my favorite artist. She reminds me of the brave settlers who tamed the wilderness and made the desert blossom as a rose. Among my family members, there were many who crossed oceans and plains to help establish Zion in the Rocky Mountains. This week we celebrate Pioneer Day in Utah, and this celebration is very different from last year.
For your entertainment, I am posting a few of my favorite Pioneer Day activities. If you need a fun learning experience for children, my Etsy shop features a digital download of activities of the Pioneer children that helped their families get established in the West.
For authentic fun – create your own pioneerwear. Simplicity, McCall and other pattern companies have patterns and directions for bonnets, pioneer dresses and menswear in the costume sections of their catalogs.
While you are at the fabric shop; pick up some material to start a quilt top or banner.
For knitters, you can quickly whip up a cross-body bag using scrap yarn. make a rectangle, fold it in half, stitch up the sides, add a braided handle, a button accent if desired and you are done!
Pioneers often spruced up their lodgings, no matter how humble. One took a dining table and chairs in her covered wagon for dining alfresco. a grapevine wreath from a craft store tied with bundles of fresh herbs and flowers makes a charming rustic accent.
Hit up your local blacksmith for classes in the basics. My son and his Dad invested in beginner classes and created these stunning hammers. My son’s blacksmith ancestors, the Webbs, would be proud.
Whip up a batch of Cream Cheese Nutmeg Beehive Bread.
Bean bag toss was a popular Pioneer Era game.
Get to know the neighbors. Brigham Young encouraged the pioneers to befriend their indigenous neighbors. He said it was better to feed them than to fight them. Creating pictographs helps children develop their creativity and visual language skills.
Lucky pioneer girls had handkerchief dolls to cuddles. Made out of a square of fabric and wrapped in another scrap, these soft babies gave comfort to their mommies on their 16 week hike.
A wooden button and a piece of string kept little guys entertained on the trail.
When your un-refrigerated food supply needs to last for weeks and weeks, beef jerky is a real treat.
We’re not much of a taffy-pulling clan, but we do love a good popcorn ball. Here’s our favorite recipe courtesy of Jiffy Time Popcorn.
Pop
1 cup Jolly Time Popcorn
Using your hands with fingers spread like a rake to remove unpopped kernels. Transfer popped corn to very large greased baking pan or mixing bowl and set aside.
Combine in large heavy saucepan:
2 cups sugar
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2/3 cup water
½ cup butter
1 tsp. salt
Heat in pan, stirring constantly. Cook to hard ball stage, remove from heat, add
2 tsp. vanilla extract
Food coloring, if desired
Stir in popped popcorn. Let cool for a few minutes. With buttered hands, form warm mixture into balls, place on waxed paper to cool. Wrap in cellophane or plastic wrap. Keeps up to 2 weeks. Makes 15 popcorn balls.
So bust out your enamel campware and head outside for a Pioneer Day celebration to remember.
Whether you find yourself back in the saddle (or not) this Pioneer Day, we wish you a joyous handmade family experience!
Oh the times we live in. People throughout history could have only dreamed about the advances in health and comfort, industry, agriculture; heck, housing with indoor plumbing and hot and cold running water. Early settlers of the American colonies were battling just to remain alive. Famine, disease and indigenous peoples who didn’t like newcomers were a constant thereat to life and limb.
One fall we visited Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg in Virginia and were mesmerized by the beauty of nature there. They were at the edge of a land truly worth fighting for. This Independence Day we honor the lives, choices and sacrifice of pilgrims, patriots and those who gave us the “Land of the free and the home of the brave.”
We’re celebrating at our house in the West this year. we are in the midst of a historic heat wave and drought, everything is tinder-dry. No personal fireworks here!
While we continue to search for property to build on, we are living in a quaint 1940’s brick house in Salt Lake City, Utah. Most of my patriotic goodies are in storage but I managed to find a few pieces of Americana to celebrate the Spirit of America. Happy 4th!
I’ll add more photos as they are available. Right now I’m heading to the pool! …That was refreshing.
I thought it would be fun to look back at other Independence Day celebrations.
And one of my favorite patriot stories about American Revolutionary War heroes Samuel and Elizabeth Duncan Porter.
Elizabeth Porter: America: 1750-1845
Elizabeth was born to Thomas and Elizabeth Duncan in Lancaster Pennsylvania in 1750. The Duncan parents were born in Scotland, moved to Ireland and then to the British colonies in America. They settled in Lancaster, which is known in modern times for an Amish community, lush green farms and hillsides.
Elizabeth enjoyed growing up in the beautiful countryside of Pennsylvania. In the spring she played with the lambs and picked flowers. But childhood ended early for Elizabeth; her father died when she was six years old and her help was needed for the farm and family. She grew to be a strong and lovely woman.
At twenty-five she met a man who would sweep her off her feet and she married her beloved Samuel Porter. He and his brothers had immigrated to the colonies from Ireland. As a member of the Virginia militia, Samuel was one of the men responsible for patrolling the roads and trails to keep travelers safe from Indian raids. The British had enlisted the Indians to attack settlers on the western frontiers of the colonies.
The winds of war began to blow across America.
Samuel, Elizabeth, their two young children, her mother, brother and other family members had established a small village in the hills between Kentucky and Virginia. The entire town was captured by Indians in 1780. It is thought that British soldiers were with them because they were not scalped. The attackers took all of their stock and possessions.
They were marched and carried over 600 miles to Detroit. Elizabeth had to work hard to keep her little children quiet so they would not be killed by their captors. She was pregnant with her third child. Sometimes when she was permitted to ride in a canoe, she sat with her feet in water for hours and hours. Samuel was sentenced to die. The other men were placed in stockades and pens and nearly starved to death.
Elizabeth was put to work cooking for the British officers. She saved scraps of bread and meat from the plates and smuggled them out when she took out the dishwater. As she placed the tub of water and food near Samuel’s prison, he was able to reach through the cracks in the barn to get the food. Her act of courage probably kept him alive.
Elizabeth who was still pregnant, her young children Margaret and Hugh and her mother were marched as a prisoners-of-war another 700 miles from Detroit to Quebec, Canada.
On January 7th, New York Harbor froze over. In the bitter cold of a winter that would become known as the “little Ice Age, ” far from her home, Elizabeth gave birth to baby Samuel. She was a captive of the British and Shawnee Indians because she believed in freedom.
Her husband Samuel suffered as well in the confinement of the prison camp. 8 of 10 American prisoners died in the hulls of British warships. He did not know what had become of Elizabeth, their unborn baby or the other two young children.
Many people sacrificed much for the cause of freedom. Some sacrificed everything.
Elizabeth took care of baby Samuel, little Margaret and Hugh the best she could. She sang to them the Celtic lullabies her mother had sung to her.
She told them the Bible stories she had learned as a child. Tales of Moses leading Israel to freedom, of brave Joseph and how Daniel’s life was spared.
She would have loved to have been home when spring came. She would have loved to have worked in her garden with her children and enjoyed outings with her family and friends. Because the cause of freedom had meant so much to Elizabeth and Samuel; she had no home to return to.
Samuel was a hard worker and as one of many brothers, he knew how to get along and be helpful. His execution was stayed by a British commander who took a liking to him.
The price of independence was very high. When the war ended and freedom was won, Elizabeth, Samuel and the others were released and made their way back to Virginia and to each other.
Elizabeth and Samuel had three more children. In later years as Samuel and his sons were building a house, they were attacked again by natives. A pack of wild dogs appeared and chased away the braves. Another time as their daughters were fetching water, they were watched by another band of Indians. It is not known why, but they were left alone. As the family grew, their lives were filled with both joy and sorrow and their sacrifice blessed their family for generations.
Elizabeth lived 95 years. She died and was buried in Jackson County, Missouri where a marker and plaque were placed to honor the memory of this heroine of the American Revolutionary War.
Elizabeth’s legacy is celebrated today by the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution organizations with chapters that have been named for her.
The hows and whys of our national holidays have maybe never have been as important as they are now. We must remember the significant events of the past as our history is challenged and in some cases, erased or rewritten by scheming individuals and organizations. Our collective identity is built on a foundation of courage, sacrifice and honor. Memorial Day is the perfect time to remember who we are and were we came from.
Memorial Day began as a commemoration of the soldiers who fought and died in America’s Civil War. It was a terrifyingly brutal military engagement. Besides the fact that fathers were fighting their sons and brothers against brothers, the casualties were so great that the total of fallen soldiers in all of the others wars we have fought do not equal the number who died fighting in the Civil War, now thought to be close to 750,000.
Arlington National Cemetery has its roots firmly planted in the Civil War. When General Robert E. Lee was leading the Confederate forces, the Union generals began burying their dead in the kitchen garden of Lee’s family’s plantation. At the end of the war, the Union confiscated Lee’s plantation as war reparations and turned it into Arlington National Cemetery.
I’ve been teaching this week at Highland High School in Salt Lake City. My freshmen students have been creating “Letters to Your Senior Self,” a tradition at Highland. I was thinking about how my life changed during the next 3 years of high school. It occurred to me that when I was a freshman, some of the seniors graduating would be drafted and sent to fight in the Vietnam War. Nowadays, the seniors may be leaving for 2 years of church service, family vacations, their first jobs or time with a parent they see in the summer.
The poppy is a traditional symbol of Memorial Day. The story behind this icon can be found here. The poem “In Flanders Field” was originally penned about World War 1 but has become a Memorial Day classic too.
BY JOHN MCCRAE
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Modern Memorial Day celebrations often feature the decorating of graves, both military and family, veteran speakers at special ceremonies and picnics and barbecues. We should take moment and teach our families about Memorial Day, the cost of freedom and pay our respects to those who have paid the price. When you add the facts that 750,000 lives were given to end slavery, it’s not hard to see that America is not a racist nation.
Here is a delicious dessert to share with your loved ones as we honor the heroes of our nation this Memorial Day.
My sister Cindy gave us a Cuisinart ice cream maker for Christmas a couple of years ago. We adapted this recipe using theirs for basic vanilla ice cream. Ours calls for freezing the container for 24 hours before using. Follow the preparation instructions for your ice cream maker.
Coconut Nut Ice Cream
In a large mixing bowl combine the following ingredients, refrigerate overnight:
1 C milk ( the recipe calls for whole but we have been happy using our 1%)
2/3 C granulated sugar
pinch of salt
2 C heavy cream
1 TBSP coconut extract
The next day, place in the frozen Cuisinart ice cream maker bowl, attach paddle and turn on. After the ice cream mixture has processed about 20 minutes, add
1 C shredded sweetened coconut
1 C salted mixed nuts
Continue processing until mixture starts to harden. Place in freezer for a few minutes until it sets up. Makes 10 – 1/2 C servings.
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY AND THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED AND SACRIFICED.
