My boys are always wanting to “help out” in the kitchen.  You know what that translates into: things not going QUITE the way I planned them to go.  However, I have a handful of recipes we fix from time to time that the boys are able to successfully create on their own (or close to it).  This is one of our favorites, and I have modified it for the holidays.  It is an easy yet delicious dish for those holiday gatherings, or just for your family to enjoy. Read more…

The holidays can be crazy-busy times.  That makes it even more important to take a moment each day to do things together.  It helps keep yourself centered in what is truly important right now - your family.  One of the best locations for “family time” is the kitchen.  Creating, baking, cooking - whatever it may be, doing it together brings children and parents, grandparents, even good friends and neighbors closer together.

 As a gift to you, I am offering some of our family’s favorite “together” recipes.  These are sometimes messy, consistently good, terrific for gift-giving and always a great tool for spending time together.  Stock your pantries, gather your supplies, and get ready for some good eating and fun.

And don’t forget (the mom in me says): Wash your hands! Read more…

Back when my older son was really little, my husband and I realized just how precious our Saturdays were.  The weekdays were filled with work and meetings, appointments and chores.  Sundays were spent at church and with family.  Saturday was essentially our only day together, just us.  So, we instituted Special Saturdays.  It is our one day each week to plan (or in some cases) not plan anything…well…special. Read more…

Once again, our calendar for the fall overfloweth.  And, that’s just with my older son.  Cub Scouts, our mid-week ministry at our church, piano lessons, baseball practice and games…and that’s not even touching homework and chores.  Throw into the mix my husband’s frequent business trips, my younger son’s preschool and gymnastics schedule, and my insane world of three jobs, a bunko group, church choir, and teaching a parenting class at our church, and you have the makings for a bit of stress. Read more…

We spent this weekend in the company of my family.  My parents were in town, as well as my uncle, aunt and cousin from Slovenia.  And, my almost 92 year old grandmother was here as well.

There’s something nice about being around family, especially those you don’t get to see all that often.  And, for the boys, it was a wonderful experience in meeting a great group of people who are a part of their family history. Read more…