Holidays
Family Celebrations: Valentine’s Day
We had a blast celebrating Valentine’s Day together as a family. The day was so packed full of fun that I didn’t have time yesterday to post what we were up to so I am doing it today! Here are little snip-its of our family celebrations!
Brina and Karlie's Valentine Breakfast Goodies While Brina and Karlie were getting dressed for school we set out a little box of sweethearts and heart necklaces for them to enjoy. They ate heart shape blueberry pancakes and saved their candy until after school. Although they did wear their heart necklaces ALL day!
Special Valentine's Surprise on my Steering Wheel! Jake went with the girls to pick out something special for me. They left these little goodies on my steering wheel. When I got into the van to drive Brina and Karlie to school I noticed my Valentine’s surprise. They picked out a flower, kitten candy and a Valentine’s Day card. They each wrote their names and drew me a picture. In my card I had a heart family of four, so cute!
Valentine's Day Gifts Daddy and the girls each received a package of “Nerf Darts” for Valentine’s Day. Now when we have our little nerf wars we won’t be knocking each other over to get a dart, hopefully. Karlie was so excited she hugged the package, spun around, and ran out of the room (to get her nerf gun, of course). Brina had her nerf gun loaded first and Mom was the primary target since I was cooking and couldn’t defend myself, don’t worry I got them back!
Expression of "love"! I had a package of Starbursts so I spelled the word “Love” on the table. The girls thought this was so neat. They were excited that they could read the word and could barely wait for Daddy to come home so they could eat the word!
"I Love You" Balloon I picked up an “I Love You” balloon at Dollar Tree for $1. The girls thought this “ape” was so adorable and managed to drag it almost everywhere they went for the rest of the night!
Brina celebrating Valentine's Day with her class! I was able to help with the girls Valentine’s Day party. The kids had a lot of yummy treats to celebrate the day. Brina was so excited to have me come spend time with her in the classroom.
Karlie enjoying chips during thier Valentine Party! Karlie ate all the non-sweet goodies first, including a yogurt and Doritos, as you can see from her orange mouth she really enjoyed the chips. She was telling all her classmates that I was her Mom and that they should wish me “Happy Valentine’s Day”!
Homemade heart shape Valentine's Day white pie pizza! I made homemade heart shape white pie pizza with mushrooms and olives on top for supper! The girls thought it was funny the pizza was a heart and the slices were different shapes from “normal” pizza. It was a fun and easy way to spread the Valentine cheer!
Minor casualty, nerf dart was shot into the oven! I was pulling the pizza out of the oven in the middle of a nerf dart storm and this little guy didn’t survive. It managed to hit the hot oven, when I went to pull it off the dart tore. The girls were sad that a dart was broken but it gave me an opportunity to demonstrate why they shouldn’t be aiming in my direction while cooking!
It was a super fun day with the family. Having children have makes the Holidays even more of a special treat, they get excited about celebrating. I am thankful everyday for my family and the memories we create together.
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!
Celebrate love and cherish the memories on this special day!
Wishing you a sweet day full of fun with the ones you love!
Happy Valentine’s Day!!!!
Photo by Ellie
Celebrating Valentine’s Day!
We love Holidays at our house! It is a wonderful time to celebrate with those you love and making more wonderful memories together! We started our weekend of fun on Friday. Jake and I had the opportunity, through swapping babysitting with friends, to go out for our Valentine’s celebration on Friday, February 11th. I will be sharing a little more about our adventure throughout the week. It was amazing time with my man and many great new memories were made. On Sunday we made blueberry heart pancakes with strawberry sauce and had the left overs this morning for breakfast!
Making pancakes with the family! Batter’s ready on for the pancakes, love turning everyday food into a fun celebration for special occasions! If you are excited the whole family will have a blast too!
Brina got a cup full of frozen blueberries all by herself to add to the pancake batter, so exciting! Brina helped get the blueberries out for the batter. She got them out of the freezer, measured the blueberries, and mixed them into the batter before cooking the pancakes. Even better is we talked about the memories behind the blueberries we were using. We picked the blueberries fresh from a friends yard during a fun evening together. Thankful for friends, fellowship, memories, and the opportunity to enjoy such amazing fruit during the winter season.
Frozen blueberries now in the pancake batter! The blueberries are so delicious! The girls always love it when we add them to their pancakes and I like that they are getting extra fruit!
Baking the blueberry pancakes on the griddle! We purchased the heart shaped pancake form at Dollar Tree several years ago and still use them regularly (it came with a star and bear shape as well). The girls enjoy getting super special shaped blueberry pancakes.
The heart shaped blueberry pancakes are ready! The pancakes were delicious with the big juicy blueberries in the shape of a heart!
Flash frozen whole strawberries! We pulled our flash frozen whole strawberries out. The girls and I had a great time picking them at a local farm and froze the ones we didn’t eat right away. One of our favorite ways to eat pancakes is with frozen pureed strawberries instead of syrup, healthier and delicious!
Pureed strawberry sauce for the pancakes! Once the strawberries had thawed for awhile I pureed the strawberries to use as sauce to dip the pancakes into. The family loves it and tastes amazing. We typically just puree the strawberries, if you want it a little sweeter you can add a little bit of sugar or honey.
Fresh strawberry sauce for dipping the pancakes into! Everyone got their own strawberry dipping sauce dish for their blueberry pancakes. Yummy!
Ready to eat our pancakes with sprinkles and strawberry sauce! The fresh blueberry pancakes are ready to eat. For an extra bonus we have hugs and kisses sprinkles as well as strawberry sauce for dipping! Delicious! What a fun way to start off the Valentine’s Day celebrations as a family!
Be My Valentine: Cookie Surprise!
Window Pane Heart Cookies made with love by the girls and their friends! We made these fun window pane Valentine Cookie Surprises this week. The girls had a blast cutting out the cookie shapes and adding the hard candy to make window panes! They taste pretty yummy too with the variety of flavors and textures. The cookie dough is your basic sugar cookie mix. We added the hard candies in the middle to make the cookies extra special. It was a wonderful baking adventure with our girls and their friends who were spending time over at our house. After having 5 young girls cooking in the kitchen it was a mess but they were so proud of their creations and goodies that it was worth the extra clean up time!
Sugar Cookies
- 1/3 cup Butter or Margarine
- 1/3 cup Shortening
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 20 to 40 Hard Candies (We used a variety of Lifesavers, Root Beer Float Hard Candies & Candy Canes*)
1. Beat butter and shortening on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar, baking powder, and a dash of salt. Beat till combined, scraping the bowl so everything is well blended. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually add the flour into the mixture.
2. Cover and chill dough for 1 to 3 hours to make it easier to handle when making cookies or cutouts.
3. Lay down wax paper and lightly flour. Roll the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Use a variety of cookie cutters to make the shapes you want. Place on lightly greased cookie sheet.
4. Cut out a heart shape in the middle of the cookies. Fill the hole with a crushed hard candy. The candy will melt during baking creating the glass window pane hearts in the middle of the cookies. *We tried using up extra candy canes but they didn’t melt well (they tasted good) but I would stick to the one color hard candies like life savers!
5. Bake at 375° for 7 to 9 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are firm and light brown. Cool until the middle window are set then transfer to a platter.
Surprise Valentine's Cookie - this one had three different flavors! Be My Valentine: Scrapbook Highlights
Do you like to scrapbook? You don’t need to be current with your scrapbooking to do this Valentine’s Day gift (I am way behind on my scrapbooking too). Show your spouse and family you love them on Valentine’s Day by doing a Scrapbook highlighting the big events over the past year. You can do scrapbook at home with your materials or one online at Snapfish or any other great photo place. Think back over this past year and pick one or two big events for each month or two. Here is some ideas of what to include to get you started, even if you do the Holidays you’ll have plenty of special memories.- January – Happy New Year
- February – Happy Valentine’s Day
- March – Springing into Spring
- April – Easter
- May – Mother’s Day
- June – Father’s Day
- July – Independence Day
- August – Back to School
- September – First Day of Fall
- October – Halloween
- November – Thanksgiving
- December – Christmas
- Birthdays
- Fresh Start
- Weddings
- Anniversaries
- Special Trips
- Vacations
- And so much more!!!
Create you book of highlights with the scrapbook material you have or do it online. It will be a fun gift as you reflect back on the memories you made together!
Photo by shimelle
Be My Valentine: Romantic Dinner for Two!
You have the babysitter lined up for the kids now it is time to figure out what fun excursion to do with your spouse. Going out to eat at a restaurant is a great option, however, going on Valentine’s Day can mean a lot of waiting in lines. If you have your heart set on going to a restaurant go to a place where you can make a reservation in advanced or pick a different evening near Valentine’s Day. As a side note, the point of Valentine’s Day is to spend time together and celebrate with your love ones. If you do it a day earlier or later it can be an even more relaxing and romantic date to remember. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year, try going on Friday or Saturday before Valentine’s Day. Going near the Holiday but not on the Holiday allows you to get into the restaurant easier and dinner will be more relaxing with better service because you’re not rushed. It will be less expensive for the babysitter that night since you don’t have to be out as long waiting for a table.My recommendation if you want to go out on Valentine’s Days (or any other Date Night) for less go on a picnic with your spouse. Why is going a picnic a better option:
- It’s Less Expensive – you can pick up food on sale at the grocery store and make it at home.
- No Waiting in Line
- Relaxing Meal Together
- One-on-One Conversation without interruptions
Since it is winter time you may ask, how do we do a picnic in the snow? The last cold picnic we went on together Jake and I found a great spot to park. We took all the seats out of the van except the front two then put a air mattress in the back part of the van. We brought a picnic basket full of goodies and a movie. We had a quiet relaxing meal together, talked, and enjoyed a movie. It was a great evening full of fun and relaxation.
“Be My Valentine” is a series of creative ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with those you love. You can make it a special Holiday without spending a lot. Spread a little extra cheer to those around you this Valentine’s Day! Surprise your loved ones with a fun and thoughtful gift from the heart. It is a great time to reflect on sweet memories as well as create new ones with whole family. May this Valentine’s season be bursting with love for you!
Be My Valentine: “I Love You” Memory Jar
A gift I made for Jake many years ago! The rose is from one of our college dates! Are you looking for a unique Valentine’s gift this year packed full of love and memories? I have created jars (or containers) full of memories for various occasions in the past and they have always been a huge hit with both kids and adults. These little containers are easy to make and will be treasured by those who are on the receiving end. It gives your family something to remind them your love and appreciation for them. There are 5 super easy steps on how to make your own Jar of Memories:
- Step 1 – Find 1 jar or container with a lid per person you want to create this gift for. We have used anything from a cleaned out peanut butter jar to cute boxes on clearance from the Dollar Store. Make sure it is a reasonable size so you can easily fill it up.
Karlie's decorated "Memory Jar"! (Made out of a peanut butter container). - Step 2 – Decorate your container. You can decorate with about anything paint, stickers, markers, ribbons, a simple written message on the outside or any other creative decorations.
Papers for the girls "Memory Jars"! - Step 3 – Once you know the size of the container sit down for a few minutes and start writing a list (on paper or the computer) of positive attributes you appreciate in your spouse or child, great memories you’ve shared, phrases of love, and special times with the person your giving the jar to. Put each one on a separate line. I usually keep my list on the computer or with me so I can fill it out over several days as I think of new things to add to it. It is fun to have a good mix of attributes, memories, nicknames, events, etc…. be creative!
Filling up Brina's "Memory Jar"! - Step 4 – After creating a list that is long enough to fill the container you have chosen print the phrases on colorful paper. Cut out the phrases and fold them at least once then stick them into the container. It is a good idea to do this a couple days before in case you need to add more to fill the container. Fill up the container to the top. I like to have it so full it is almost spilling out because when they open the gift it gives them a small visual picture of my overflowing love for them.
Wrap your Memory Jar! - Step 5 – Wrap the container in tissue paper and tie it with a bow or give it to them as is. Take time when they open it to have them to pull out and read some of the great things you have written about them. It is fun to hear them read out loud some of the memories, laughs, and phrases you have included in their jar packed full of memories. Write a special note or favorite saying on the inside. It is sure to bring a smile!
It is important to reflect on the positive traits and memories you have with those you love. I have done this for Valentine’s Day in the past as well as for other special events in our lives. It is a great treasure chest full of positive memories for everyone to enjoy. My husband still has the one I gave him years ago and the girls have theirs on the dresser. Occasionally we will sit together and read through some of their memory notes. When a person knows that they are loved and treasured it allows them the freedom to share the joy with others.
“Be My Valentine” is a series of creative ways you can celebrate Valentine’s Day with those you love. You can make it a special Holiday without spending a lot. Spread a little extra cheer to those around you this Valentine’s Day! Surprise your loved ones with a fun and thoughtful gift from the heart. It is a great time to reflect on sweet memories as well as create new ones with whole family. May this Valentine’s season be bursting with love for you!
T.G.I. Friday’s Coupon: $5 off $15 or More
T.G.I. Friday’s Coupon – $5 off your Purchase of $15 or More
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Good through February 21, 2011! You can take your spouse out to dinner for Valentine’s Day and save a little at the same time!!!
Family Recipe: Dad’s Favorite Carrot Cake
My Mom is an excellent cook! Over the years my parents have hosted a lot people in their home and continue to have people over regularly. I am thankful for all Mom taught me about cooking and for her willingness to allow me to “experiment” in her kitchen as I was growing up. Mom makes the best Homemade Carrot Cake! She would make it for special events such as a Holiday or birthdays. This is my Dad’s favorite cake. It is rich, moist and delicious. Here’s her recipe:Dad’s Favorite Carrot Cake
- 2 cups of Sugar
- 2 cups of Flour
- 2 teaspoons of Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon of ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/4 cup Oil
- 4 Eggs
- 3 cups grated Carrots
- 1 cup chopped Nuts (optional)
Combine all ingredients. Mix thoroughly and pour into a greased and floured 11 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 40 to 55 minutes. If you want a layered cake you can do it in two 8 or 9 inch round pans just reduce the bake time by ten minutes and add the Cream Cheese Frosting in between the layers. Cool, then frost.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 stick Margarine (softened)
- 1 lb Confectioner (aka powdered) Sugar
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 3 teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 cup chopped Nuts (optional)
Cream ingredients together until smooth and place on cooled carrot cake. Optional you can add the nuts in with the frosting or sprinkle the chopped nuts over the top. Optional you can add green and orange food coloring to a small amount of the frosting to create a decorative carrot(s) for the top for the cake.
Candy Cane Smile Pancakes!
Now that our Christmas festivities are done with family and friends I am trying to come up ways to use some of the extra goodies. Somehow throughout the various Holiday celebrations we accumulated a stack of candy canes and as we begin the first quarter of 2011 we are having fun finding ways to use up the remaining ones. Instead of sprinkles on the girls pancakes we decided to have candy cane smiles. They loved having minty pancakes for breakfast and the smiles added extra cheer for everyone, smiles really do spread cheer! Do you have a creative recipe or way of finishing up the last few candy canes around your house?
