Mar 20 2013

Easter Traditions

Posted on March 20, 2013 by mary

Easter is almost here.

For years my kids were involved in a wonderful event with our church to help them develop as leaders for Christ. The problem was that it was always on Easter weekend. The event was held in the town my parents live in so we quickly adapted and we did Easter at my folk’s home. Each year mom would fix a dish called, Ham Pie. Everyone loved it, and it soon became our traditional Easter meal. We still to this day have Ham Pie, salad, vegetables, deviled eggs, and made-from-scratch banana pudding. Below is the recipe for Ham Pie. We decorate the dining table with toys eggs filled with candy and surprises.

When you celebrate Easter as a family, gather your kids around and have fun coloring eggs. Read the story of Jesus’ resurrection. Talk about what Easter really means. And, be thankful – He Lives!

Do you have any Easter traditions?

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Ham Pie Recipe

3 Tbs. onion
1/4 cup green pepper
1/4 cup shortening
2/3 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 Tbs. lemon juice
2 cups diced cooked ham

Cook onion and pepper in shortening in a 2 qt. pan until tender. Blend in flour, milk, and soup; stir until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. When thick, stir in ham and lemon juice. Pour thickened mixture into greased 9” x 13” baking dish and cover the mixture with uncooked cheese biscuits (see recipe below). Bake at 450 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until biscuits are golden brown.

Cheese Biscuits

1 cup flour
2 1/2 Tbs. shortening
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup milk

Mix all ingredients into a formed ball of dough. Sprinkle flour on a clean counter-top to keep the biscuit dough from sticking to the counter. Roll dough on floured counter-top to 1/4 inch thick. Cut with round 2” diameter biscuit cutter. This will make approximately 24 biscuits.

Jan 1 2013

Christmas Card Prayers

Posted on January 1, 2013 by mary

Time to take down the twinkling lights, pack the ornaments, and fill up the attic with boxes of Christmas decorations. But, what about those Christmas cards?

It is fun to decorate for the holidays, but when it comes time to take it all down the fun stops. Except for the cards received, that part is fun and easy. We display our cards on our window blinds.

Each year we take all the Christmas cards, put them in a basket, and each night at dinner we pick one card and reminisce and pray for the family who sent us the card until all the cards are gone. This usually stretches the Christmas spirit well into February.

This is a good reason to send and receive Christmas cards. Do you still send Christmas cards?

Moments with Mary

Dec 10 2012

Dear Santa…

Posted on December 10, 2012 by mary

Writing a letter to Santa is a tradition we all enjoy. It is so much fun to make a wish list, especially if you are on Santa’s Nice list.

Have you ever wanted to see one of your old letters? I saved all the Christmas lists that my boys have made over the years. They enjoy looking at them each year.

Each year I put the new list in their stocking where Santa can find it. And, there the list remains with the lists from past years.

[Spoiler Alert!] On Christmas morning I take the lists out and the stocking is filled with treats, gifts, and surprises. Over the years it is fun to see the changes in the wanted items on their lists. When they were young they cut out pictures from the the Toys ‘R Us catalog. Next, they progressed to hand-writing their lists. Then they typed them on the computer and printed the list. Now they have Amazon Wish Lists, with links to their wishes. My how list-making has changed.

Is there something you wished for but did not expect to get, but were surprised when you did get it? What was it?

Dec 5 2012

Counting Down to Christmas with an Advent Calendar

Posted on December 5, 2012 by mary

Is it Christmas yet? With children you hear this all the time. To make counting down to Christmas fun have an Advent calendar. I have six Advent calendars around the house.

I may have gone overboard but hear me out.

Here are my reasons for multiple Advent calendars:

I have three sons.
They each get to do two advent calendars a day.
Three calendars have a piece of candy or small present in each day’s pocket.
The other three were activity calendars. They required moving a marker to the next day or placing a small ornament on the calendar tree.

My boys rotate which two they do each day. If you only have one Advent calendar and more than one child, they only get to enjoy the calendar every other day (bummer!). I recommend an even number of calendars for each child.

The daily routine of looking to see what treat, small present, little note, or new activity is always fun and something kids look forward to.

Advent calendars can be purchased at local stores or you can make one. Do you have a favorite way to count down to Christmas? How many Advent calendars do you have?

Oct 23 2012

Make Your Own Book of Spells

Posted on October 23, 2012 by mary

I love to decorate my home for Halloween and set a festive mood. I made a book of spells to display. You, too, can make your own book of spells. Here’s how:

Find a hardback book with a blank, undecorated cover – this makes it easier to add your own book title.

Paint the spine with acrylic black paint to cover up the book’s real title.

Then, using the same black paint, mix it with a little water on a paper plate to make a wash. Using a paint brush spread the wash all over the cover of the book. Wipe off any excess with a paper towel. This will make the book appear old and worn.

Next, write with your paint brush any words you would like on your book (for example, Spells and Potions).

To keep the book closed from prying eyes, staple a ribbon to the first and last endpaper pages. The ribbon is used to tie the book shut. You don’t want to spoil the effect, by having the real book be easily read.

Last, paint a coat of clear sparkle glaze on top of the front cover. This will add a little magic to the look of the book.

Make several books and stack them up or have them lying around your house for fun decor. What magic is up your sleeve?