Decorating Eggs for Easter

We start with 5 dozen eggs!  It may seem like a lot but when you have 12 different colors of dye, it really only equals out to 5 eggs in each color.

 I can remember when I was young and my sister and I used to dye eggs, we were lucky to have 3-4 colors to choose from.  If you wanted a special color outside of the primary colors, you had to put the egg in one color and then transfered it to another color to get your secondary colors.

 Ready, Set, Go....

 Malachi is finally old enough to put the eggs in and taken them out by himself.  He had fun this year being in charge of his own eggs.

 Jacob thought the eggs were ready to eat and when he realized they weren't he decided they were "balls" so he tried to throw them.

 That meant it was time to give him plastic eggs to play with. 

 I made special eggs for the 3 boys in my life!

Look at all those different colors...I was surprised to see the color gray.

Just about done!  We had a blast...Jacob not so much, I don't think he really realized what was going on.  Next year though, he will understand more and he will too, have a blast dying Easter eggs with the family! 





Watch for pictures to come of the Easter Egg Hunt! 

Praying for Those You do not Know

To make a long story short, in January I started walking 5 lengths of our local mall everyday in hopes of getting into a healthier lifestyle.  From the beginning I started noticing the regular walkers.  Of those regular walkers I especially noticed three gentlemen that walk daily.  Although I don’t “know” them personally, I am guessing that they are three generations; the grandfather, the father and the son.  Over the last three months I have gotten to “know” them better, knowing when they arrive at the mall to walk, how many laps they go, and I enjoy seeing them every day and saying “hi!”  A few weeks ago the oldest gentleman (the most talkative of the three) stopped me and asked a question about my youngest son and told me about his horrible cough/cold that he had and couldn’t get rid of.  At that time something in our conversation prompted me to share with him the fact that I am working on my health sciences degree in hopes of becoming a nurse but since then we haven’t had much conversation. Today, out of the blue, the oldest gentleman, stopped me and said, “I know you are working on becoming a nurse and so I just have a question for you.”  He proceeded to tell me that his wife has cancer and they are going to ensue with trying some new treatment plans.  I am not sure why he chose to stop me and share this with me.  I can only guess that he felt like I may have some knowledge because of my education, or maybe it was something deeper.  I don’t know!  As we finished up our little conversation (which only lasted three minutes at the most) I told him I would be praying for her.  I don’t know her name, I don’t know his name, but I know she has colon cancer that has spread to her liver.  Since that conversation this woman who I know I nothing about, is weighing heavy on my heart.  God tells us to pray for everyone, even our enemies, so why not pray for a complete stranger.  God also wants us to have empathy for one another.  In fact the Bible says “Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” ~Romans 12:15. We are also supposed to love and care for other people the way that God loves and cares for His children.  I Peter 3:8 says, “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

This odd conversation this morning has taught be a very valuable lesson.  We can pray for “unknown” prayer requests because God knows the whole story and, believe it or not, God will lead you to pray when you don’t know the whole story.  I believe in the power of prayer and so today, I will be praying for someone I don’t know and I will have the peace of mind that I did my part, and I will remember that God knows what tomorrow holds and therefore, He knows the plans He has for this woman. 

One of the shortest verses in the bible says, “pray continually;” ~I Thessalonians 5:17 and that is just what I will do!        

  

A Thought for Today...

Have you ever wondered what this world would truly be like if everyone treated each other like they would want to be treated?  By nature I am a “people pleaser”, I like to please people and in the same manner I try to avoid conflict.  For this reason I don’t understand why some people (because honestly, there are millions of nice people out there) think that not being considerate to others is appropriate.  While I cannot change the world and my one little blog isn’t going to do anything, I can raise my boys to be respectful and to treat others as though they want to be treated.  After all God has put this law before us and although it is not one of the 10 commandments God wants us to follow it as though it is.  By definition, commandment is as a divine rule… or a rule to be observed strictly.  Treating others like we want to be treated isn’t a suggestion or what we ought to do, but rather, what we ARE to do!

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” ~Matthew 7:12 (New American Standard Bible © 1995)

 

Hosting for the Holidays: Easter

Easter is upon us and I love this Holiday!  The traditions I have set with my children and the family dinner we have every year just makes this holiday exciting.  

Many people, including myself, get distracted by this holiday.  When I think of “Easter” I think eggs, bunnies, pastel colors and family time; however, there is a much deeper meaning behind this holiday.  For millions of Christians (and non-Christians alike), the meaning of Easter is that of glorification and acknowledging Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, and His magnificent promises of eternal life for those who believe in Him.  I have made it my life mission to make sure that my kids don’t overlook these holidays and what they truly represent.   

Nevertheless, even though I DO know what this holiday signifies, I still like the traditions I have started and enjoy them every year.  

My kids, husband and I dye and decorate roughly 5 dozen eggs every year.  I look forward to the night before when we gather around the table for hour’s beautify-ing our eggs.  The next morning I get up early to make sure the Easter bunny has come and hid all the eggs and lay out a few presents that the he has left.  Watching the surprise on my boy’s faces when they see that the Easter Bunny has come, is priceless and one of the many reasons I live for! 

I also host a family dinner (they are very prominent in this house) and do crafts with the kids. Unlike St. Patrick’s Day where I prepare most of the meal, Easter is more of a potluck style where our friends and family bring their popular side dishes and desserts.  It is an all day event where we start of by eating appetizers, then dinner a few hours later and finish with dessert later in the evening.

On the Menu: 

Appetizers:

Deviled Eggs (my mom’s recipe)

Spinach Artichoke Dip 

Dinner:

Ham with Maple Glaze

Mashed Potatoes and Ham Gravy

Sweet Potato Soufflé (my mother-in-laws recipe)

Macaroni –n-Cheese (my mom’s recipe)

Country Green Beans

Dessert:

Apple Crisp 

 

Spinach Artichoke Dip

There are so many different dip recipes out there that use spinach and artichokes.  I have used this recipe for years now and I have always had good luck with people liking it. 

·         2 tablespoons butter

·         1 10oz package frozen chopped spinach

·         1 can (14oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

·         1 package (8oz) cream cheese

·         1 16oz container sour cream

·         ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

·         Garlic salt to taste

Over medium heat melt butter in large saucepan, add spinach and artichoke hearts.  Cook until spinach is thoroughly thawed and artichokes are tender, roughly 10 minutes.  Mix in cream cheese and sour cream, once incorporated, add the parmesan cheese and garlic salt.  I serve with pita chips, tortilla chips and carrot sticks. Garlic toast is also a fantastic way to serve this dip and almost makes it a meal in itself!    

Ham with Maple Glaze

·         I cup maple syrup

·         ¼ cup brown sugar

·         2 tablespoons honey

·         2 tablespoons butter

·         1 can pineapple rings

·         Several whole cloves 

I prepare the ham by placing the pineapple rings all around the ham, securing them in place with toothpicks.  I also press several cloves into the top. I always prepare my ham in our roaster, I heat it through at about 300 degrees Fahrenheit and it usually only takes a couple of hours (it would probably work the same in your oven, but I would adjust the temp to 350 degrees.) To make the glaze, combine the butter, syrup, brown sugar and honey in a saucepan over medium heat.  Once the sugar is dissolved pour half of it over the ham.  Baste the ham frequently during cooking with the remaining glaze.  

Mashed Potatoes and Ham Gravy

·         Potatoes (I peel 2 potatoes per person that I am serving)

·         Flour

·         Heavy Cream

·         Water

The secret to my mashed potatoes is reserving some of the liquid I cooked them in and using that in to mash them.    I also add some heavy cream which makes them ultra creamy.  Add salt and pepper to taste. 

To prepare the gravy I make a roux with the ham drippings and flour.  I then add cold water, and slowly bring to a boil until gravy thickens.

Country Green Beans

·         1 pound fresh green beans

·         ¼ cup chopped onion

·         ¼ cup chopped cooked ham

·         ¼ cup butter

·         ¼ cup water

·         1 clove of garlic

·         Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan; simmer over low-medium heat for about 20 minutes are until desired tenderness.

Apple Crisp

Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit

·         3 ½ pounds apples, peeled, cored and sliced

·         ½ cup brown sugar

·         1 cup flour

·         3 packets instant maple and brown sugar flavored oatmeal

·         ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

·         ¼ cup maple syrup ( I used artificially maple flavored syrup to save on cost)

·         Pinch of salt

Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by spraying with a non-stick cooking spray.  Place all the apples on the bottom.  In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.  Stir in flour, instant oatmeal and salt.  Fold in walnuts.  Sprinkle the oatmeal mixture over the apples and then drizzle the maple syrup over the top.  Bake for 50-70 minutes or until apples are tender and the topping is golden brown. 

 

 

What are your favorite Easter traditions?

Snow Day Fun

Living in Colorado we have many “snow days.”  I really enjoy these days with my boys because we can stay in our pajamas and relax the whole day, just enjoying time with each other.  Over the years I have come up with many fun activities to keep young children entertained while being stuck inside.  Here a just a few that we made today for this spring snow day! Keep in mind that while most of these recipes are non-toxic, I still suggest keeping a close eye on your younger children.   

 

 

Snow Dough

·         6 cups cornstarch

·         1 ¼-1 ½ cups baby oil (to keep this non-toxic use vegetable oil)

·         3 teaspoons glitter (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together and there you have it, snow dough. 

Play Dough

·         1 cup flour

·         1 cup water

·         ¼ cup salt

·         1 tablespoon vegetable oil

·         2 teaspoons cream of tarter

·         Food coloring ( I use on average 5-7 drops, but adjust amount to get desired color)

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and stir, once mixed together, cook over medium heat stirring constantly until it forms a ball and becomes gooey.  Transfer to waxed paper to cool, once cool knead the mixture and the creativity can begin.   

Finger Paint

·         3 tablespoons sugar

·         ½ teaspoon salt

·         ½ cup cornstarch

·         2 cups water

·         Food coloring

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.  Stir over medium heat until the mixture starts to thicken.  Let it cool and then add food coloring until you get your desired color.  Store in airtight containers. 

What do you like to do on a snow day?

Hamburger and Cabbage Pockets Recipe

This is a recipe that I have made for years and years and even though I don’t make it often, it is one of those meals that my family really enjoys when I do make it.  

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit

Hamburger and Cabbage Pockets

You will need:

·         1 can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits ( I always use the store brand to save money)

·         1 pound of ground beef or turkey

·         1 package french onion soup mix (again store brand works perfect)

·         1 cup of cabbage

 

Directions:

Brown hamburger or turkey, drain off excess fat and stir in onion soup mix and cabbage.  Cook until cabbage starts to wilt. Remove from heat and let it rest. Next, roll out each of the buttermilk biscuits to twice their original size (they should be much thinner too.)  Spoon the hamburger mixture onto half of the rolled out biscuit and fold the other half over.  Crimp the ends together with a fork.  Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake until golden brown on top (approximately 10 minutes.)

Enjoy!

 

 

I am Having a Case of the Monday’s on a Friday…

Or maybe it just isn’t my day.  It was one of those days that just ½ an hour after I managed to get out of bed, I wished that I could go back to bed and get up and start the day all over again.  Most days, I feel like I am on top of the world, and then there are those few days a year where I just feel like, as cliché as it sounds, this just isn’t my day!   Let me start at the beginning.  When holidays land on a weekend, around here the Easter Bunny, Santa, and as this case may be, the Leprechaun come the Friday before the holiday. This is due to the fact that my oldest spends the weekends with his dad and step-mom.  This is a norm in our house and the boys never question why the head character is coming early. 

Well, last night I forgot to leave out the coins and leprechaun footprints.  Normally, this would not be a big deal; however, last night I mentioned to my oldest that he better be behaving because the Leprechaun was due to arrive the next morning.  BIG OOPPS!  When he woke up this morning he walked out to find nothing he was visibly disappointed (as he should be) and all I could think was shame on me for forgetting my motherly duty.  I ran into my bedroom, woke my husband and said, “Crap!  We forgot to be Leprechauns.”  I was so very mad at myself because these are the days I live for.  I love playing the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Santa and Leprechaun.  After regaining my composure and coming up with an excuse I explained to my oldest that he was just super busy with other households this morning that this year he will be coming the day after St. Patrick’s Day.  It took a few minutes to convince him that that was the situation and that he would indeed come by Monday morning. 

Here I am writing this post, several hours later, and I am still bothered by what I did. And to be honest this situation has affected my every thought today, almost like I am walking around with a grey cloud hanging over my head.  At seven years old my son is bound to start putting “two and two together.”  At least he bought my latest story and he will have something to look forward to at the beginning of next week.  Now on to the task of forgiving myself and accepting the fact that I make mistakes.  It happens to the best of us but we must learn to forgive ourselves, just like we learn to forgive others. 

I hold myself to such high standards as a mom (part of my perfectionism) and on  days like this I feel as though God uses the situation to help break me down and rebuild me in order to get me closer to my goal of being the Proverbs 31 lady.  I recall Romans 8:28.  It says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”  

So fellow moms, wives and perfectionists alike, God can take any situation and make it work together for our good.  I haven’t quite figured out what the good is in this situation, but I am sure it is on the horizon. 

Today has been a lesson learned for me, although not easy, I take it, I learn from it and I walk away with a new perspective and a smile on my face.

What trials have you faced lately?

 

 

 

 

Craft Ideas for Toddlers and Young Children~St. Patrick's Day

Leprechaun Handprint

You Will Need:

·         White Construction or Printer Paper

·         Green Construction or Printer Paper

·         Gold/Yellow Construction or Printer Paper

·         A Random Black Button or Two

·         Acrylic Paints (two colors; listed below)

·         2 Paint Brushes 

I used “Apple Barrel®” brand acrylic paints.  For the hair and beard I used the color “Chestnut” and for the face I used “Orange Sherbet”; however, you can use any brown and skin tone color you would like.  Paint the child’s hand on the very bottom of the palm with your brown color and also their four fingers (not the thumb.)  The rest of their palm you paint the skin tone color.  Have them then press their palm and fingers onto the white construction paper. 

 

 

Out of the other construction paper, design and cut out a hat and glue on the button.  Once the paint drys, draw on a mouth and eyes.     

Four Leaf Clover Thumb Prints

You Will Need:

·         Acrylic Paint

·         Paint Brush
 

Again I used “Apple Barrel®” brand acrylic paint in “Green Clover” color.  Paint your child’s thumb with the green paint and have the child put their thumb print on the paper in a circle fashion four times (you might need to re-apply the paint after each thumb print).  Finish off by drawing a stem.

 

 

 

There you have it… a great gift for Grandparents or anyone else on St. Patrick’s Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hosting For the Holidays: St. Patrick’s Day

This is my first blog in a series where I will give hints and recipes for holiday dinners, ideas on hosting and how to create a memorable holiday!

St. Patrick’s Day

This holiday is by far one of the more calm holidays of the year.  It doesn’t come with the stress of decorating or buying gifts, or even expecting a ton of people for dinner.  This is a great holiday to have fun, invite a few friends and family over and just enjoy the day/night.  I always prepare a traditional Irish dinner of corned beef, cabbage and red potatoes.  I generally add some sort of green colored dessert and drinks for fun.

On the menu:

Corned Beef with cabbage (cut into wedges), red potatoes, carrots (I used the ready to eat “baby” carrots) and onion (sliced; optional).

Watergate Salad

Green Beer

7-Up and Lime Sherbet Floats 

Corned Beef and Cabbage

In the past to prepare this meal I have used a Dutch oven.  I place the corned beef and spice packet that comes with it in the Dutch oven, cover it with water and bring to a boil.  Once at a boil I reduce the temperature to a simmer, cover and let simmer for about an hour per pound of meat (3 pounds; 3 hours).  Then I add the potatoes and carrots and onion.  Once they are almost tender I add the cabbage and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Remove the meat, let it sit for 10 minutes and then carve it against the grain.  Throw all of the vegetables in a bowl and serve.

 

Watergate Salad (also known as Pistachio Delight Salad)

·         16oz container of Cool Whip (store brand works just as good)

·         2 packages pistachio pudding mix (again, store brands works great)

·         ½ cup chopped walnuts

·         1 can crushed pineapple, un-drained

·         1 cup mini marshmallows

Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.  (Serve very cold)

Green Beer

For this particular holiday you could pick an Irish beer, but really any beer will do and make sure it is a pale ale or lager.  Whether you are making a pitcher of it or individual glasses make sure there is no head on the beer because the color gets stuck in the foam.  Drop in several drops of green food coloring until you reach the emerald green color that you are looking for. (If you use blue to mix with the yellowish tint of the beer you will not get the desired color)  Please remember to drink responsibly! 

(Make a drink like this for kids, or those who don’t drink, and use cream soda instead of beer!) 

7-Up Floats (Irish Style)

The only thing that makes this “Irish Style” is the green color!  You can make this beverage for any holiday and just change out the flavor/color of sherbet you use. 
Put a scoop of lime flavored sherbet in a glass and top with 7-Up.  This drink can be spiked by adding a shot of vodka or rum.  Again, please be responsible if you are drinking. 

If your children are like mine they may be a tad bit picky at the dinner table.  Neither of my boys like corned beef and cabbage and so for them I have created a shamrock quesadilla.  I make a quesadilla using two tortillas and I cut out three small heart shapes and a stem, when you put it together it looks like a shamrock.  (Use spinach tortillas and you get the green color too!) 

What are your St. Patrick’s Day traditions?

 

 

Is That Still Edible? How to Decode Expiration Dates

I am a little obsessive about expiration dates in my house.  When the milk says 03/10/2013 I throw it out that morning.  I don’t smell it to see if it has soured, I don’t taste a sip to see if it tastes perfectly fine, but rather, I pour it down the drain and open a new jug.  For years I have heard that some things are just fine to consume after the expiration date and so I have researched this belief a little further.

After talking it over with my sister (who has a lot of experience with this) and doing some of my own research, this is what I have found. The specific term "expiration date" refers to the last date a food should be eaten or used. Last means last or in other words eat at your own risk.

Other, commonly found terms on food are:

·         "Sell by" date. The labeling "sell by" tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before that date. This is basically a guide for the retailer, so the store knows when to pull the item. The "sell by" date is basically saying this is the last day the item is at its highest level of quality, but it will still be edible for some time after.

·         "Best if used by (or before)" date. This refers strictly to quality, not safety. This date is recommended for best flavor or quality.

·         "Guaranteed fresh" date. This usually refers to bakery items or prepackaged salad mixes. They will still be edible after the date, but will not be at the peak of freshness.

·         "Use by" date. This is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality. The date has been determined by the manufacturer of the product.

·         "Pack" date. You will find this one on canned or packaged goods, and as a rule, usually looks like a code on the product.

Some of the following suggestions are from the USDA.USDA Food Product Dating  Also keep in mind that your refrigerator temperature should remain between 38-40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Eggs- Good for 3-5 weeks after purchase (as long as you bought them before the “sell by” date), but keep in mind that eggs should always be kept in their original container, not the plastic holders inside the refrigerator door. The plastic doesn’t allow eggs to breathe, which will cause them to spoil faster.

Yogurt/Cottage Cheese/Sour Cream-Good for 2-3 weeks after the “sell by” date, provided no mold starts to form.   

Milk-Believe it or not, is usually good up until a week after the “sell by” date. (The sniff test still might be a good way to determine edibility.)

Mayonnaise-Unopened it will keep indefinatly. Opened it is good for 2-3 months from “Sell By” date (after this time, color or flavor may be affected, but product is still generally safe to consume).

Canned Vegetables/Fruit and Soups- Highly acidic foods like tomato sauce can be kept for 18 months or more. Low-acid foods like canned green beans/fruits are generally okay for up to five years.  Canned goods should be stored between 50 and 70 degrees F. Rusty, bulging, dented or otherwise damaged cans should be tossed (even if it is before expiration date.)

Peanut Butter- Good for up to three months, the oil in the peanut butter can go rancid rather fast at room temperature. 3-9 months if refrigerated. ( I have never had  my peanut butter go rancid so personally I think you should be the judge of whether or not to keep or throw it) Unopened containers can be kept until the expiration date.  

Cake/Bread/Pancake Mixes-My personal suggestion is to only keep for a month after the “expiration date” and always double check that bugs haven’t gotten inside.  There is no “rule” addressing how long these types of products can be kept and used and so my best advice is to use your best judgment.    

Other items that contain expiration dates (some surprising) include toothpaste, band aids, OTC medications and prescriptions, cosmetics, cleaning supplies, shampoo and conditioner, batteries, motor oil, fire extinguishers, paint and infant/toddler car-seats.