“Chawcherries!”

That’s what Grace called strawberries when she was two. She loved strawberries soooo much I decided her birthday theme would be “Strawberry Shortcake.” Aside from the fun Strawberry Shortcake decorations and cake, we made giant papermache strawberries (which I still have up in the attic) and went on a hunt for strawberries! And of course there was tons of chocolate dipped strawberries!

One year we even tried to grow our own strawberries! While the vines flourished across our garden almost taking it over, it produced very little strawberries…in size and quantity and well, they just didn’t taste as good as store bought.

So I decided to leave it up to the experts! The California Strawberry Commission is all about sharing, educating, and filling you up with strawberries. I visited their site and learned some interesting facts about strawberries. I also visited Strawberryville a fun, interactive site for  kids and teachers which includes downloads, screesavers and recipes. The Strawberry Breakfast Pizza sounds YUMMY! And there’s lots more recipes on their site like strawberry salad! So check them out.

Did you know:

Fun Strawberry Facts

Better Start Eating Strawberries
Respondents to a recent national survey labeled strawberry lovers as “health conscious, fun loving, intelligent and happy.” Non-strawberry lovers, on the other hand, were described as “weird, boring, stuffy–picky, fussy eaters who avoid healthy foods.”

Strawberry Lore and Legend
In provincial France, strawberries were regarded as an aphrodisiac of the highest quality. Newlyweds traditionally were served a soup of thinned sour cream, strawberries, borage (a European herb whose flavor is reminiscent of cucumber) and powdered sugar.
The second wife of Henry VIII, Queen Anne Boleyn (1507-36), had a strawberry-shaped birthmark on her neck. Unfortunately, some claimed this fact proved she was a witch.

The strawberry is recognized as representing absolute perfection in the Victorian language of flowers.

Medieval stonemasons carved strawberry designs on altars and around the tops of pillars in churches and cathedrals, symbolizing perfection and righteousness. During the same time period, strawberries were served at important state occasions and festivals to ensure peace and prosperity.

Ever eaten a double strawberry? Legend holds that if you break it in half and share it with a member of the opposite sex, you will soon fall in love with each other.

Strawberries in Literature
Sacred to the both Goddess of Love and the Virgin Mary, strawberries boast a long, dramatic history.

“Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did.” –William Butler

“The strawberry grows underneath the Nettle, And wholesome berries thrive and ripen best Neighbour’d by fruit of lesser quality.” — William Shakespeare, Henry V

“My lord of Ely, when I was last in Holborn, I saw good strawberries in your garden there.”
– William Shakespeare, Richard III

When as the rye reach to the chin,
And chopcherry, chopcherry ripe within,
Strawberries swimming in the cream,
And schoolboys playing in the stream,
Then O, then O , then O, my true love said,
Till that time come again,
She could not live a maid.
– George Peele, The Old Wives Tale

Um, after all this strawberry talk, I need to run out and get me some! Does anyone have strawberry recipes to share?

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I just discovered a GREAT new website. Mommy Docs was started by two mom doctors who have more in common than their medical degree. I can tell from their website they’re all about informing and helping moms raise healthy kids. They have a great Q & A page, and a page where you can ask them specific questions. (I’m still waiting to hear from my OWN doctor about a rash I had over Memorial Day!) They have podcasts, a blog, and links to other medical sites!

Jamie A. Freishtat, M.D.

Rachel L. Schreiber, M.D., FAAAAI

And they want to get the word out about Summer safety. Check them out and let me know what you think!

• Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15. Look for products that provide “broad spectrum” coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Use this sunscreen routine with your child–daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating). Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future. In addition, don’t forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.
• Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child. For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellant. Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.

• Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria. To keep the pool free from unwanted “swimmers,” after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly. Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it’s a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.
• High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink! Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.
• Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather. But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac. If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine. If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.

All safety tips can also be found on MommyDocs.com.

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Never Say Diet by Chantel Hobbs

What they Say:

Chantel Hobbs, a mother of four, recounts her struggles with obesity, body image and health in Never Say Diet. Realizing that choosing to live well was one of the best gifts she could give her family, Chantel is so excited to encourage YOU this Mother’s Day to take the small but meaningful steps towards a healthier life. Ditch the diet! Buy some new skinny jeans! And don’t forget to read the five tips to get your family fit this spring.

What I Say: 

I’ve been exercising regularly for several years now, but with each birthday came a few extra pounds. I had to face facts. I was getting older and my metabolism was slowing down. No matter how much I exercised the scale fluctuated five pounds. I could never break the invisible barrier.  I guess part of me didn’t think I could unless I really cut back on my food. But my draw to food was still strong and I was still eating more calories than I seemed to be burning.

Then I got Never Say Diet in the mail. I thought, “what the heck, it really couldn’t hurt.” My heart was desperate to shed the last 20 or so of my baby weight, but my mind just gave up on it ever happening. When I started to read Chantel’s story of weighing over 300 lbs. and getting a healthy, lean, I started to get encouraged. Her no nonsense writing style was refreshing especially since it came from someone who was severely obese and not a skinny, size zero personal trainer. The one thing that Chantel said, that I had known, was that I needed to change my brain about food. I don’t know whether it was her book, or summer and not really feeling like cooking big meals, but I started to see a change in my appetite. I didn’t really feel like eating as much as I had been, plus I started increasing my workout intensity and I actually saw a drop in the scales.

I remember, before this book, telling my friend how it seemed to try and diet and that I really needed a gift from God. A gift of weight loss to get me motivated again. Well, it only took two pounds and I felt my hope rise. Maybe I can actually lose the weight!

Though this week has been wrought with one birthday party after the other, and I did indulge in cake and ice cream several times already, my normal meals have been less, and I’m sticking to what Chantel said to do. The first month of her commitment to get fit, she only concentrated on exercise and still ate the way she used to. So I’m still on track. I’ve been working out 20-30 everyday with increasing intensity and it feels good to sweat a little more than usual.

I’m not all the way through the book, but I’m excited to be on this journey in hopes and anticipation that I’ll never say diet again!

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Seems like everyone is getting on the “All Natural” bandwagon and I’m glad. Years ago when I couldn’t figure out why sometimes my children raged out of control for no apparent reason, I decided to try the Feingold diet of eliminating all preservatives and artificial flavors and colors. I did see a change in my children, though eating this way 100% of the time was not easy for our family. So we did the best we could, started buying organic and natural food products as much as we could and noted what set my kids off like Krispy Kreme donuts. My daughter goes absolutely out of control when she eats them so it’s a rare occasional treat.

When Mom Central asked me if I wanted to try Ragu’s All Natural pasta sauces in a pouch, at first I was hesitate. Being a full blooded Italian who makes her own sauce I rarely use pre-made sauces and when I do it’s usually Paul Newman’s because it’s all natural. But I was intrigued to find out more about Ragu.

My samples came and I stared at the giant sized Capri Sun looking pouches. Definitely something I’d have to get used to thinking pasta sauce was inside. But I liked what the package said. ALL NATURAL, NO PRESERVATIVES, NO SUGAR ADDED, FULL SERVING OF VEGGIES.  On closer inspection the of the package it seemed simple and quick enough. Just clip the corner of the pouch, pop it in the microwave for 90 seconds pour and eat.

When I decided to use the sauces I was in a quandary about dinner and had forgotten them. My mother (who’s been living with us since January) suggested pasta and I remembered by samples. I’ve gotten away from heating plastic in the microwave so I poured on pouch in a dish and heated it up and then tried it there way.

The pouch method was quick and easy and I immediately thought it would be a great thing to take camping. I haven’t tried to heal it up in boiling water, but I don’t see why you couldn’t.

Then it was time for the taste test because no matter how easy something is to make, if it doesn’t take good, you’re not going to buy it again, right?

My Italian mother who never eats sauce at of a jar was going to be the toughest critic as were my plain pasta loving kids. My mom’s reaction “Not bad, but don’t tell my grandma!” Her really Italian grandma would watch the old pasta sauce commercials on tv and spit and gag, “Yuck, patooey!” My mom says pasta sauce has come a long way.

My kids seemed to enjoy it as well. We sampled the Traditional Tomato Basil which tasted sweeter )Ragu put acerola cherry concentrate listed as an ingredient) and less basily than we expected. The Garden Vegetable was my favorite of the bunch. I think the only downside to this product was the size. Two pouches barely feed our family.

What I think would be a great product is if somehow Ragu could package this sauce with pasta and do a microwave thing like the mac and cheese singles. I could really see this product used as an after school snack!

For more info. on this product visit  Feed Our Kids Well.

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Years ago my family switched to natural cleaners we purchased through our Shaklee, our vitamin and natural supplement company. I wanted a cleaner that was safe for me, my family and the environment, but also one that cleaned well! While I’m far from a cleaning expert, the diluted solutions seemed to do the job.

Recently I started stocking pile Clorox Clean Up wipes. Nothing beats the ease of grabbing a wipe and cleaning. I keep one in every bathroom and under the kitchen sink. When the gunk starts to build, I just whip out a sheet and clean.

Then I discovered a new product from Clorox called Clorox Green Works. Seems like Clorox has jumped on the “green” band wagon, and I’m so glad. I tested the all purpose and window cleaner and the first thing I noticed was the smell. It had a citrusy, clean smell unlike my other cleaner. But does it work? I have no complaints. My counter tops and bathroom look clean, and I even cleaned the dog smudges off the back door!

Clorox Green Works has a full line of natural cleaning products from kitchen counters to toilets all made with plant-based ingredients taken from coconuts and lemon oils. Sounds good enough to eat!

For those really concerned about the environment and animal testing, this is good news. GreenWorks products contain over 99% natural ingredients that are biodegradable and eco-friendly with recyclable packaging, and they’re not products tested on animals.

The only issue I had with these products is trying to find an online price for them, though the company does say these cleaning products are a little more expensive than traditional cleaners because of higher costs to create them. And I’ve known for years how much more expensive natural and organic is, but my family’s health is worth it!

I do recall seeing this product at Walmart, so I’m sure they’re available wherever Clorox products are sold.

You can read more about the desire, development and discovery of this wonderful product!

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Before I homeschooled, when my kids were in school, I rarely got them up and ready to leave for school. I would sleep in until nine sometimes. (I’ve never been a morning person.)

Then, I only had one or two in kids in school and my husband did a great job of getting them fed and ready for school. In fact, my oldest was a pro at making his own breakfast in first grade (except for the time he almost caused a fire in the microwave by leaving a plastic spoon in his oatmeal bowl which melted!) But I’m sure the morning would have been smoother if we had had Breakfast BREAKS.

Now my kids are older, and I get up with them at 7 am. They’re pretty much self-sufficient, though I do make them eggs for breakfast on occasion. But I can see how these grab ‘em and eat breakfasts could help busy families.

The best way to describe it is it’s like a lunchable for breakfast. Each package (which has a handle and looks like a little lunch box) contains “a balanced breakfast for kids including cereal (Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Lucky Charms), that can be enjoyed with or without milk, Minute Maid® 100% fruit juice, and a nutritious snack.” This prepackaged breakfast even comes with a napkin, spoon, and moist towelette.

“Breakfast BREAKS was originally developed for schools to ensure that the children served were receiving the USDA requirement of at least 25% of the recommended key nutrients they needed each day, with the addition of 8 oz. of low fat milk.” And I can see what a great idea it is for schools. I’m just not sold on the idea that it’s any easier than grabbing a cereal bar, a juice box or throwing some cereal in a bag. With Breakfast Breaks, you still have to pour the milk in the bowl or find it somewhere if you’re on the go and want milk with your cereal. Though I guess busy moms from across the U.S. wanted these Breakfast Breaks in the supermarket, so here they are.

I think it’s important for you to know I rarely buy lunchables, though I do on occasion, and we try and buy organic cereal and cereal bars. In fact, I’ve even taken the time to make my kids crackers, cheese and ham squares instead of buying the prepackaged, more pricey ones. I also steer clear of those prepackaged small chip bags and snacks. I usually buy the bigger snacks in bulk and then divide them myself into snack baggies. It takes some time, but not a lot and it does save tons of money and packaging waste.

So while I’m not completely sold on Breakfast Breaks for our family, I do see them having a place in the market for those busy stressed-out moms and dads who don’t have time to think ahead and don’t have quick, healthy foods on hand and accessible to their kids. One thing I am excited about for these Breakfast Breaks is I see them as a great way to cut down on the pre-camping hassle and long road trips. I am more likely to pick up this type of prepackaged food on a camping or road trip to save me the hassle of making individual meal sacks for my four kid.

But don’t take my word for it, check it out and try it for yourself. It might be exactly what you’re family’s been looking for!

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About five years ago our family adopted a more healthier lifestyle eliminating almost all preservatives and artificial colorings and flavors from our food. While we’re not religious about this practice I’m always on the look out for healthy and tasty snacks and drinks.

Here’s what some people are saying… (stay tuned for what I think!)

“Froose is an innovative new children’s beverage, Not only is Froose nutritious, but it also tastes amazing ─ just like taking a bite out of a piece of fruit! And it’s uniquely called a “whole food” beverage because it combines the best of organic whole grains and fruit, making it a great alternative to juice. Even though it was created with young children in mind, my 13-year-old son has started his own private Froose stash in our garage. I’ve taken to following the track of empty boxes around the house to find him!”

I agree that the whole food, organic ingredients is a definite plus is our sugar-saturated world, but not all my kid’s agreed on the taste factor. We’re not a huge juice drinking family, but when we do drink juice it’s 100% juice. My youngest two didn’t care for the strawberry flavor, my ten year old liked it, and he and his older brother (13) said it tastes “yougurty.” I personally liked the strawberry flavor and we’ve got two more flavors to try out. My younger two don’t really like all the juice flavors I normally buy anyway. So that wouldn’t stop me from buying Froose.

“Froose is the brainchild of Denise Devine, a Mom of three, who was working for a major food company and was herself frustrated by the lack of healthy choices for her young children. Her Mom-instincts kicked in when she noticed her son drinking fruit juice all day long and then, after filling up on empty calories, she’d find him not hungry for dinner. She set out to develop a nutritious smoothie-like alternative to juice incorporating whole grains, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. After several years of research, in collaboration with The International Food Network at Cornell, Denise now holds 19 process and composition patents that ultimately enabled her and her team to create a drink that suspends whole foods in liquid form. The resulting beverage is.”

I guess my boys were right on. Smoothie is what it tasted like to them. Maybe if I presented Froose to my younger kids as if it were a smoothie their initial reaction would have been different. I’m definitely impressed with the ingredients and whole foods. It’s not just a juice. It’s a snack! For more detailed nutritional information go here!

“With statistics about childhood obesity growing scarier every day, it’s reassuring to give my kids a drink that combines the best of whole grains and fruit in one nutritious, portable package. Froose comes in grab-and-grow™ 4 oz. juice boxes, making it a convenient, tasty and nutritious alternative to juice. One box of Froose contains only 80 calories and a healthy amount (3 grams) of fiber. Sweetened with organic brown rice syrup, a complex carbohydrate (which means No Sugar High and No Empty Calories!), it is also wheat and gluten free.”

It was kind of comical watching my thirteen year old suck down a 4 oz. juice box in two seconds flat, but he drank it without complaining! And he’s my pickiest eater. I would recommend Froose bottle their juice for older kids as well or in cooler juice pouches or plastic bottles. Despite half of my kids not loving the juice and one not finishing her juice box, I would buy them! I’m always looking for healthy snacks and it’s a great quick drink when you can’t make your own fruit smoothies. So give Froose a try. What have you got to loose? (sp. intentional

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Here’s one for my faithful and new readers that ends this month!

And here’s one for everyone just in time for Valentine’s Day, but I will pick a winner later today, so hurry!

FRUIT ROLL UP CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED!

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I’m a garlic lover. I put garlic in lots of things like my homemade tomato sauces and I use it when I sautee vegetables. Though some dislike the after affects of garlic, the health benefits are extensive. It has power antioxidants and is said to help cure the common cold. I even have some garlic tablets for those occasional times I feel under the weather.

Though I love cooking with it, preparing it can be a pain. I really don’t like the garlic smell on my fingers. When I was a teen I worked in a restuarant as the garlic bread girl. That’s all I did, slather garlic butter on bread and make garlic bread. I smelled like garlic for days and couldn’t get the smell out.

Years later in my own kitchen, I used garlic cloves, still reeking like garlic after cooking, then I discovered minced garlic in a jar. It was convenient and did the job. Then one day I bought a huge container of peeled garlic cloves. I thought I’d save a little money, make my own minced garlic and store them in oil in jars in my frig. And I did and it worked great. I even gave my sister a jar of my preminced garlic, and now she’s hooked on the minced instead of the cloves.

Fast forward to today where I read on someone’s blog that storing garlic in oil can lead to botulism! My mind races back over the years to one of my favorite shows as a kid, Quincy, M.D., where there’s a case of botulism, from rancid food in a can or from a water fountain. My memory is fuzzy about the details, but I remember that episode so clearly, probably because of the word…BOTULISM. It was a new one for me and the idea of dying because of bad food must have stuck in my brain.

I usually have a stomach of steel. I’ve been known not to throw food away just because a label said it’s a couple of months overdo (though I do confess this is not the best practice and now I call the company to make sure it’s safe.) But when I read this about the garlic in oil, I started to panic. Could botulism be breeding in MY kitchen?

After doing some research I learned there is a higher chance of botulism growth in garlic stored in oil at room temperature. Whew! I keep my in the frig, but I’ve often wondered how long it can be stored safely. The site I found says a couple of months. I think I’ve gone over. I remember giving my sister a jar back in April. Guess it’s time to play it safe and get rid of the garlic before I sautée my zucchini, and store this information in the back of my mind next time I need to kill someone off in my next novel. Oh, and of course, let my sister know about the dangers of garlic!

For more information on botulism and garlic visit:

Health benefits of Garlic

Storing Garlic

http://cecalaveras.ucdavis.edu/garlic.htm

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This afternoon I decided to test out the new dehydrator I got for Christmas. Chris (13) really loves beef jerky so I thought I’d try it out. I mixed 2 lbs. of ground beef, squeezed it out through the handy little tube and plugged it in. It said to check it every hour, soaking up the grease and turning. So I set the timer. An hour later I went down stairs and looked at the dehydrator.  It wasn’t on. I knew when I plugged it in I heard it turn on and felt the heat, but no heat, no motor churning.

So I changed plugs thinking maybe the outlet wasn’t working and looked through all the information which said to switch it on. But there was no switch. I called the company. They were off for the holiday and the website was no help. With no where else to turn and 2 lbs of raw meet waiting, I called a dehydrating friend. But she’s never made beef jerky and has one of those $200 dollar machines. Not the Nesco $40 Walmart brand I bought. But she said I could put it in the oven at 120 degrees. Mine would only let me set it as low as 170.

I transfered all the strips to the oven pans and everything looks great. I’ve been turning them and patting them every hour, and I’m hoping they’ll be ready before midnight.

Has anyone else had experience with dehydrating beef jerky in the oven. Did I do it right and is it safe to eat? I sure don’t want my family waking up sick on New Years Day because I made some bad jerky!

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Flu and cold season is already upon us. So far we’ve been able to avoid the Flu. In fact, we’ve avoided it for years most likely because I’m a germaphobic, but not in an ODC kind of way.

We use germX every time we leave the grocery store and before we eat. My kids don’t need to be reminded to wash their hands, in fact they police their friends and listen for the water running when their friends are using our bathroom. If they don’t hear the water, the kid is “reminded” to wash their hands.

Despite our aversion to germs, Grace has caught a couple of things this year. So when I heard Heidi Murkoff, the What to Expect When Your Expecting author, was helping to spread the work about having a healthy home, I wanted to hear what she had to say!

I LOVED the first line. “Here’s some good news that might surprise you: Your house is cleaner than you think.” Well, she hasn’t been to my house lately!

The guide is full of stress free ways to make your home healthier and encourages us to use what I already use: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. I use them for everything from wiping sinks, to the toilets. They’re quick and easy and disposable, my favorite feature! I buy them by the threes at Sam’s.

Here are just some of the great tips:

Germs breed in bathroom towels. Assign everyone their own towel.

Close the toilet when you flush. Water vapor and toilet contents ERUPT every time you flush. Thinking about changing that toothbrush you leave out?

There may be more germs in your car than the bathroom. Has she been looking in my car?

Three second rule myth! If it falls on the ground at home, it’s relatively safe (though since we got a dog I wouldn’t eat off of any surface), but outside, it’s a definite NO! Think of all the dogs and people and gunk on their shoes which walked over the surface you just ate off of. Germs only need a second to attach to your food. In fact, every time my family gets home from a road trip (think, the most disgusting public restrooms EVER, I make them take off their shoes outside and I spray them down. I don’t even allow shoes to be worn in the house. The thought of the stuff you step in getting on my carpet grosses me out.

One of the only things I don’t agree with in this guide it to get the flu shot. My family hasn’t gotten the flu shot or the flu in years. We eat right, take our vitamins and wash, wash, wash. I’m just not crazy about getting injected with all the other junk they put in vaccines. I did my homework once and some vaccines are full of Mercury. Not good for anyone!

Okay, found another thing I don’t totally agree with. They say not to worry so much about public restroom germs. WHAT? Have you seen some of the public restrooms lately. They are nasty. That’s why I mastered the squat years ago and cringe every time I have  put paper on the toilet for Grace (boys are so much easier) and I just hate it when her pants and underwear rub up against the toilet! Though according to this guide, there’s not too much danger in public restroom germs.

To download this health guide go to www.clorox.com/healthierlives.

So what are some ways you’re OCD about germs and keeping healthy?

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Here’s a GREAT way to share the Easter story.

We attempted to do this last year on the night before Christmas and the story was awesome using the ingredients like broken pecans to represent Jesus’ scourging, vinegar to represent Jesus’ thirst on the cross, and eggs to represent life.

Though the separately, the ingredients don’t sound appealing, after baking them hopefully you’ll see how they represent the empty tomb.

Last year our cookies didn’t turn out. It was late and I didn’t read the directions carefully. I think I covered the cookies, which it doesn’t say to do in the recipe. Hopefully you’ll have better luck than I do! Let me know how they turn out!

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Growing up I always spent Easter with my dad’s mom, Grandma Julie and my favorite part was eating her Easter Meat Pie and hunting for plastic eggs filled with money.

Grandma Julie died when I was twelve, but her memory lives on. Every year I make her Easter Meat Pie which I remember eating cold, but my family seems to enjoy warmed. Some of the ingredients are hard to fine, but I do my best at substituting!

Ricotta, 3 lbs
Cubed Cheese, 1 1/2 lb. Mozzarella or Provolone
Parmesan Cheese (I’m guessing 1/4 - 1/2 cup)
Dried Swwt Sausage Supersata, 1 lb (I use cooked Italian sausage and drain the fat)
Eggs, 20: 8 hard boiled, 1 doz beaten
Mozzarella 1 lb Shredded
Proscuitto, 1 lb (Some times I throw pepperoni and salami as well)
Salt and Pepper
Pillsbury ready made pie crust

Mix beaten eggs, Parmesan cheese, ricotta, mozzarella. Add boiled eggs (diced), cubed cheese, sausage, prosciutto, and other meats. Mix really well.

Line pan with pie crust. Add mixture and cover with pie crust. With one egg white, beat and brush on top o f crust. To save on carbs and calories  I make this with no top crust. I even make this with NO CRUST at all and it still tastes great.

Bake at 350 for at least 1 hour.

We usually eat this Easter morning for breakfast, though Easter Frittata was our traditional Easter morning meal.
I grew up with granda Agatina’s wonderful homemade Italian recipes. Here’s her Easter Frittata.

Ricotta, 1 container (my recipe says large)
Italian Sausage
6 eggs

Roast sausage and cut into pieces. Combine ingredients in a casserole dish. Bake in oven at 325 until eggs are dry.

This recipe is much simpler and lighter than the Easter Meat pie and makes a great breakfast dish any time of year!

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This are two a really fun ways to share the Easter story. Find each color Jelly bean and put it in an egg. Then on Easter morning, or during the week share the story!

Red is for the blood He gave

Green is for the grass He made.

Yellow is or the sun so bright.

Orange is for the edge of night.

Black is for the sins we made.

White is for the grace He gave.

Purple is for His hour of sorrow.

Pink is for our new tomorrow.

An egg full of jelly beans, colorful and sweet is a prayer,

a promise, A loved one’s treat.

by Charlene Dickensen, 1997

And my favorite:

The Jellybean Salvation Lesson found here.

Visit these pther sites for some Jellybean fun!

http://www.rainbowcastle.org/jellybeanprayer.html
http://www.guildcraftinc.com/images/Products/SalvationJellyBean.pdf
How Jellybeans are made
Jellybean Games

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The Story of Passover

During this time Exodus 12:1-13 is read with brief comments and with the elements held up at the appropriate moment.

The Lamb Bone: The lamb was killed, its blood spread on the doorposts and lintel of the house to protect the home from the tenth plague, the slaying of the firstborn. God said He would pass over the house when He saw the blood.

Jesus, God’s first born, the Lamb of God, shed his blood for us so that death would pass us over.

The Unleavened Bread: Dough was not given time to rise since the Hebrews had to be ready to leave quickly. No one knows the day or the hour Jesus will return. We must be ready to go when He comes.

The Second Cup: Cup of Plagues
“God poured our 10 plagues on Egypt, the last of which, the slaying of the first born, convinced Pharaoh to let the people of Israel leave the land.

As Christian, let us recall the lives Jesus had delivered us from.
After this explanation the father invites he participants to recount these plagues. He reads each passage aloud; They repeat it and then dip a finger into the grape juice, letting a drop fall onto the place symbolizing the plagues.

“Now let us lift our cups and drink, thanking God that He not only delivered the nation of Israel from the plagues, but that through Jesus, He delivered us from the plague of sin which brings death that we all deserve.”

Here is a good place for everyone to go around the table and confess their sins to one another.

The Bitter Herbs
Each person places horseradish on a matzo and eats it, “This symbolizes the bitterness of Israel’s slavery and our slavery to sin.”

Eating of Caroseth
Each person places charoseth on a matzo and eats it, “This symbolizes the mortar that was used to make bricks by the Israelites.”

Eating the Egg
The father presents the roasted egg.

“This is a reminder of the Temple’s destruction in A.D. 70.” The egg is dipped in saltwater, the symbol of tears, and then eaten.

Eating of the Meal
At this point, the Jewish family eats a full meal.

Eating of Afikomen
This Greek word loosely translated means, after dinner. After dinner, the children hunt for the hidden matzo. Whoever finds the piece gets a token reward, maybe a coin or candy. When found, the Afikomen is broken and shared. Likely it was at this point that Jesus said, “This is my body given for you”

Read Luke 22:19 and share communion: “During Jesus’ Last Supper, he took the bread and broke it saying this is my body, do this in remembrance of me.”

The Third Cup
“Exodus 6:6 says, ‘I will redeem you’. Redemption means to buy out of slavery. The lamb sacrificed and offered on Passover was the price to deliver the nation of Israel from their sin. This third cup is what Jesus drank with his disciples as a symbol of his blood. He was saying I will redeem you.”

Read Matthew 26:27-32 and take communion

Searching for Elijah
“The Jewish people believe, according to Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6 that Elijah will prepare the way for the Messiah. They are looking for the Messiah year after year, not recognizing that Jesus, the Messiah, has already come. Pray for the Jews and everyone else who does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Here the children search for Jesus, and peeks out the door.
Father: Is he here?
Child: No, he is not here.
Father: Maybe next year Jesus will come. Maybe tomorrow. For no one knows the day or the hour He will come, so we should be ready for Him always.

The Fourth Cup of Praise
As everyone lifts this cup, the father quotes Exodus 6:7 “I will take you for my people. The Jewish nation looks forward to a golden age where everyone will be at peace. We, as believers in the Lord Jesus, eagerly wait for his return when He ill take us to Heaven.”

So with the Passover ceremony finished, everyone drinks the fourth cup proclaiming “Even so Lord, com quickly Lord Jesus.”

Here are some fun ideas you might want to try with your family:

*When the plagues are read, pass our sunglasses for darkness, round band-aids painted green for boils, toy frogs and locusts, etc. They kids might not be the only ones to get a kick out of this part of the Seder.

*During the eating of the egg, you can play the “egg game.” Prepare an egg for each guest. After the father eats his egg, explain that whoever ends up with the unbroken egg is the winner and receives a small prize. Face the person sitting next to you and tap eggs end-to-end and point-to-point. Continue to play around the table until only one unbroken egg is declared the winner.

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Yesterday I shared with you the beginning of the Christian Seder my family has during the Easter weekend. We try and have this on Good Friday to reminisce about the “Last Supper”, but sometimes have it on Saturday. We reserve Sunday for a relaxing time of Church and casual dinner. Though this year with my sister being only four hours away, we may have to change things up a bit.

Christian Seder continued

The Four Questions
At this point, the youngest child and the father interact to explain why Passover is celebrated. After asking the first “stage setting” questions, the child will ask four detailed one. (In our family, we share the questions among all the children.)

Child: Why is this night different from all other nights?

Father: Once we were slaves to our sin, like the Jews who were slaves in Egypt , but now we are free , and we set aside this night each year to remember the great things God did for us.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, Jesus, so that we might not perish and be slaves to sin, but so we might be free and have abundant life.

Child: On all other nights we eat either bread or matzo, but why on this night do we eat only matzo?

Father: Matzo reminds us of two things. There was no time for the Jews bread to rise when it was time to leave Egypt. This unleavened bread reminds us the Jews were delivered from slavery in Egypt, and were given new life. And we as Christian, were delivered from sin and also have new life.

Child: On all over nights we eat whatever vegetables we want, but why on this night, do we eat only bitter ones?

Father: We remember how bitter our sin was and the how bitter the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt was.

(Since our family doesn’t recline at the table, we skip this question and usually substitute it with a different one of our choosing)

Child: On all other nights we eat either sitting up or reclining, but why on this night do we all recline?

Father: Before we were slaves, but now we are able to recline and express the rest we enjoy as free people.

Here are some fun ideas you might want to try with your family:

*Conduct the first part of the Seder in the living reclining on homemade pillows with the names of your guests.

*Make up four questions centering on present day Israel
Why is the land different from other lands? Then pray for the peace of Israel and Jerusalem.

*Ask a fifth question for the Jewish children who died in the Holocaust and never got a chance to ask.

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It’s snuck up on me again! The Easter Holiday season. I thought by getting the bunnies and egg hunts out of the way early, I’d have time to plan some really great Jesus stuff. But it’s Palm Sunday and I’ve done nothing…yet.

I just pulled out my Easter file and for the rest of the week I’ll be sharing with you our Easter traditions starting with a Christian Seder. We’ve shared the the “Last Supper” with our immediate family for the last couple of years, and although it hasn’t been a “sane” experience, I think we’ve been ironing out the less than kid friendly parts, and hopefully this year will bring a little more peace.

I’m sure there are lots of ways to do a Christian Seder, but this is how our family does it. I’d love to hear if you do something similar and what yours looks like. Chrysalis has a great post on an easy Christian Seder.

Christian Seder

Come to the Table

At each place setting provide the following:

Parsley (2 sprigs)
Charoseth (1 Tb) Chopped apples, nuts, honey, cinnamon, and a touch of grape juice. (This is my families favorite!)
(4 servings, 3 oz each)
Saltwater (1 bowl per 4-5 people) Add enough salt to cloud the water
Horseradish (1.2 tsp, and as “biting” as possible)
Matzo (Plain, 1/4 square)
2 candles (white) and candlesticks in table center

At the leader’s place setting also provide:

1 bowl of saltwater
1 lamb bone (meatless and oven roasted until brown)
3 whole squares of matzo and 4 napkins (Matzos are stacked between the napkins on a plate)
1 roasted egg (boil for 10 minutes; then place under oven broiler until shell is brown)

An extra setting for “Elijah/Jesus”

Same as the “per person” setting with the exception that only one glass of juice is poured and left next to the plate. For the Jews, this symbolizes the future appearance of Elijah, who will signify the coming of Messiah. For Christians, it symbolizes the return of Christ.

The Passover Ceremony

Cleaning of Leaven
A few crumbs of leavened bread are dropped on the floor. The father or another male leader then sweeps them up as a symbol that the house is ready.

The Lighting of the Candles
The candles are lit by the mother who recites, “Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctifies us by Your commandments and has ordained that we kindle the Passover lights. Jesus you are the light of the world. Help our light shine out to those who do not know you.”

The First Cup: The Cup of Sanctification
The father lifts his cup and explains, “Sanctification means to be set apart. We are setting apart this ceremony as special to the Lord.”

The Jews remember Exodus 6:6a, “I will bring you out (set you apart) from under the burdens of the Egyptians. God performed miraculous deeds to free Israel from Egypt. As believers, God’s greatest miracle was the price God payed, death of His only son Jesus, to free us from the bondage of sin and death.”

Everyone drinks.

Washing of Hands
Here the father washes in a basin. “This is a reminder of the priest’s need to wash before the could go before God on behalf of Israel. As Jesus celebrated His last Passover with his disciples, John 13 records that he took a towel and washed their feet instead of washing his hands. He also said that we should do this to one another.”

Take wash cloths and each person washed the hands (or feet) or the person to their left.

Dipping the Parsley
Everyone dips his parsley, one sprig at a time, into the saltwater and then eats it.
“The first dip refers to the tears shed in slavery by Israelites. But we also recognize the tears we’ve shed while in slavery to sin, without forgiveness and freedom Jesus offers. The second dip refers to the drowning of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea and the miraculous deliverance of Israel as a result (Exodus 14:13-31). We also thank God for our miraculous deliverance from sin.”

Breaking of the Middle Matzo
The father takes the middle square of the 3 whole Matzos, breaks it in half, puts one half back and hides the other half where he wants. Everyone closes his eyes while this is done. The children will look for the hidden piece later.

“These three squares of Matzo represent the beautiful picture of the Trinity. The middle representing Jesus-broken and hidden away.”

There’s much more to the Seder, but I’ll save it for tomorrow’s post!!! Please come back and see how you can get your kids involved in this Christian Seder.

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So many people I know right now are battling breast cancer or some strange sickness, I don’t know if I could possibly list them all.

But some of the most urgent ones are following:

Margaret’s mother Susan
Her blood pressure is high, her blood sugar is high and so is her heart rate. If she continues on this course, the doctors say she will not make it very long. She also has not eaten in a week and they found she has a uninary tract infection. She is not waking up or responding, but she is not in a coma. We are urgently asking for prayer and for healing for Susan at this time. All your prayers are very much appreciated.

Rebekah’s mother Paula Batchelor is VERY sick with flu like symptoms, numbness, weakness, a temperature, and many other symptoms. Please Send this through any prayer chains you have.

Heather: Headaches and pain

Breast Cancer:
Lisa B.
Michael’s mom
Theresa

Dionna’s Daughter for fainting and seizures

Leah our Babysitter:
Stress, heart related issues

My Mom: For gall bladder palips and pain

My Dad: Heart related
Step-Mom: Back problems

I hope I’m not missing a recent prayer request, but if I am, God knows who they are. If you have a prayer request, please leave it in the comment section!

Lord, I ask you to touch these bodies, minds and souls. Correct what is wrong and make it right, for your glory. Help the doctors give the right diagnosis, the right treatment and surround these people with love and faith. Lord, hold your children in your healing hands, and make them whole and healthy so they can finish out the remainder of this life surving you and living life to the fullest.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

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Today we’re getting together with some friends to celebrate and remember the life of St. Patrick, patron saint to Ireland. Of course we will do some crafts, like making shamrocks. Did you know Patrick used the three leaf clover to explain the trinity? And probably learn a little about the history of leprechauns and Ireland, but my favorite part will be reading Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie DePaola. His is an amazing story of love , forgiveness, miracles and devotion to a people. If you’ve never heard the story or St. Patrick, (I didn’t until I had kids), make sure you do this year. You’ll be pleasantly surprised that St. Patrick has nothing to do with drinking beer and leprechauns, but has everything to do with the love of Christ!

For lunch we’re planning on eating like the Irish. Don’t know if the kids will like it, but we’re going all out, including green mac and cheese. (okay, that’s not really Irish, but it’ll be fun!)

Here’s a yummy Grilled Reuben Sandwich recipe we’ll be trying out for lunch.

2 slices of Rye Bread
1 Tbs Thousand Island Dressing
2 slices of swiss cheese
1/4 cup of sauerkraut, drained
2 slices of corned beef
1 Tbs of Miracle Whip

Of course I will try and make this as low fat as possible, by using fat free and probably cutting our the Miracle Whip.

For dinner tomorrow night, we’ll have our traditional cornbeef and cabbage meal, and Irish Soda bread. For more great recipes go to Kraft Foods.

We’ll be trying out a few and hopefully discovering some new favorite.

So what fun things do you have planned for St. Patrick’s Day?

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I can’t even remember the last time my kids had a stomach virus, though at least one of the four has them every other year or so and it only last a day! The most my kids come down with are the seasonal allergies and colds, and the occasional ear ache.

If you’re family has recently suffered or is suffering from the flu then read on. This post just might help you!

What are the secrets to Good Health?

I wish I had the answer to that question. All I can do is tell you what my family has done over the years. And building up our immune system has been top priority.

1. We started taking Shaklee supplements years ago while I was pregnant and I marveled at how I wasn’t tired all the time even though I wasn’t taking the prescribed prenatal vitamins. Then I started giving my children the vitamins (no sugar or dyes) and noticed that when we had forgotten to take them over a period of time, they got sick. Light bulb moment! Shaklee supplements really helped keep my kids healthy and if you think all vitamins are created equal, you’re wrong.

Here’s a quick test. Take your vitamin and put it in a glass of water. How long does it take to dissolve? Well, if it doesn’t then most likely it’ll pass through your system the same way, thus having no nutritional benefit to your body.

2. We’ve changed our diet to mostly all natural and organic products. Sure we still eat fast food, but in our house we try to buy food without preservatives, hormones, dyes, and hydrogenated oil! I don’t know if it’s related to our good health, but I definitely notice my kids are more focused and better behaved when they eat these foods.

3. We’re hand washing fanatics. All of us with the exception of my husband. I don’t have to remind my kids to wash their hands after they use the bathroom, or before they eat. In fact, when kids come over our house they remind them to wash their hands after they use the bathroom. My youngest equates getting sick with not washing her hands because “one day I forgot to wash my hands when I ate waffles and I got sick.”

I hate public restrooms. Instead of washing our hands in a restaurant bathroom, I have them use anti-bacterial gel, though my husband like to take them to the restroom to wash their hands. But in reality, the restroom is more dirty than their hands are. Just think about whose hands have touche the faucet and door knobs. Most likely someone that didn’t wash their hands well. So I’ve trained my kids to turn off public restroom faucets and open door with paper towels. Better to be safe than take someone else’s nasty germs to the table with you.

We also use anti-bacterial gel, alot. Though I know it’s not the best to use it all the time, that’s why we switched our bathroom liquid anti-bacterial soap to normal soap. It still kills the germs if you wash thoroughly.

When we come home from the grocery store or doctors office, we immediately wash our hands. It’s amazing how many germs can be picked up from a grocery cart. And don’t even get me started about bowling. Just think of what could be in those bowling ball holes from someone else’s fingers. If we bowl and eat at the same time, the gel comes out every time they sit down to pick up the pizza!

4. I think homeschooling helps us stay healthy. We’re not around sick kids, so we don’t get sick.

And that’s our secret to staying healthy! So how do you keep your family healthy?

** After I wrote this post my oldest son came down with something. He was lethargic, had a sore throat, no nausea. So I dosed him up on Shaklee Vitamin C, and their Defend and Resist formula. He’s feeling better. Now has a cold.

A couple nights ago Grace (4) came down with a bad stomach virus. She threw up all night, but has been hungry ever since though her stomach ache comes and goes. Very strange symptoms and I think she probably picked something up in the church nursery. Everyone else (including me who finished her pizza BEFORE she threw if up) is healthy!

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