Author: Pam

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Do you feel the love in the air? At the McMurtry’s home, February means celebrating Valentine’s Day and our wedding anniversary.

This year for our anniversary, we are visiting the Nelson-Atkins Art Museum in Kansas City. The museum has one the foremost collections of Monet in the world.

Paintings by favorite artists include Beauguereau, Delacroix, Carravaggio, Cassatt and many others.

We will enjoy Kansas City’s local legend and original barbecue at Arthur Bryant’s.

We have a tradition of touring art museums for our anniversary; from the Getty in Los Angeles, Utah Museum of Fine Art, Brigham Young University’s Art Musem to the San Diego Museum of Art.

For our 25th anniversary trip to Europe where we visited the Globe, the Tates, British Museum, the Louvre, art museums in Scotland, the Academie and others in Florence, and many other inspirational collections.

This February we will be in the heartland of the USA and will see the Midwest’s prize collection of international art that includes Monet paintings from collections in Paris and other international pieces which we will talk about soon.

VALENTINE’S DAY

AMOR VINCENT OMNIA; LOVE CONQUERS ALL

            Red is an invigorating and passionate color, and it is the signature hue of Valentine’s Day. In the midst of winter, when the heavy gray aura of the frigid sky is becoming dreary, bright red modern Valentine’s Day arrives with loving and giving, surprises and fun.

            It’s hard to pinpoint the origin of the holiday. There may have been several Saint Valentines in the Second and Third Centuries. One was a Roman bishop that married soldiers to their sweethearts before they went off to war, which was against the laws of ancient Rome. From his prison cell but sent notes to friends, signed “Your Valentine.” There is reason to believe that the earliest meaning of Valentine’s Day was more about sacrifice than romantic love.

Love in History

            Our medieval ancestors had favorite rituals and traditions for the holiday. It was believed that birds selected their mates on February 14th, and mankind followed, making this the favorite day for marriage. Great halls were perfumed with bowls filled with rosewater, crushed rosemary, basil, bay leaves, marjoram and yarrow. Incense of pine and laurel released a sweet, pungent fragrance. Love lanterns were carved like smiling jack-o-lanterns from turnips, and other vegetables and fruit. Candles glowed within, filling the hall with affectionate lights.

            Superstition and divinations abounded, as guests questioned where, with whom and when they would find love. Enameled or fabric red hearts were worn as an accessory, a visual sign that the wearer was devoted to love: the idea of love, the God of love or the Saint of love, Saint Valentine. Some wore the symbol of infinity, a sideways 8, representing eternal love. This “love knot” was sometimes accompanied by a crowned “A” representing the phrase “Amor vincent omnia” or “love conquers all,” which also constituted the words of a toast later on. A “chivaree” or concert devoted to stirring passion, was played. For centuries this practice was woven into the wedding celebrations of many cultures.            

Strengthening Your Family Through Love and Service

            Most couples have their own loving rituals. Whether a romantic evening is on your mind or fun with your family, there are many ways to demonstrate your love at Valentine’s Day. In his book The Five Love Languages, author Gary Chapman describes the actions and activities we do to help people feel loved. Whether it’s quality time, gifts or a backrub; it is a good idea to have your special people identify their love language so you can do for them what is truly important to them. Remember the Platinum Rule “Do unto others as they would like to have done unto them.” If my husband showed up with a gift for me of Boston Celtics tickets I’d wonder if he’d flipped, I’d much rather have a pot of red tulips or a red plaid handbag. If I gifted him the Celtics tickets or offered a good foot massage, he’d think he’d died and gone to heaven.

            My sister packs elaborate Valentine lunches for her family with love notes tucked inside. There are heart-shaped sandwiches, red fruit juice, valentine cookies and fruit cups.

As they unpack their creative meal, they are instantly reminded of their mother’s love. Here is Cindy’s Valentine’s Day lunch menu, she says…

“I try to keep the food in Valentine colors except for the fruit.” In their special bag they find:

 a heart-shaped sandwich

pink and white heart-shaped pasta salad with shredded parmesan, ham, and minced white onion

a fruit cup with a cut out heart strawberry on top

chocolate-dipped strawberries

heart-shaped rice crispy treat or sugar cookies

white cupcake and frosting with red sprinkles and red heart shaped lollipop stuck in the    center

small bag of foil chocolates

heart shaped crackers with a flavored cream cheese spread

white popcorn

pink, red, or purple juice box – usually frozen to keep everything cold

“…and a love note.”

Nursery Love

My grandmother Vada Webb Layton taught me to spell I love you by reading my Raggedy Ann’s heart.

Raggedy Ann and Andy, two little rag dolls, have “I love you” hearts printed or stitched right on their little fabric bodies. Their creator, Johnny Gruelle, wrote stories about their friendships in the nursery and their adventures helping others. Raggedy Ann watched over the nursery and was a hero for every little girl who made sure her toys were tucked under a blanket, all warm and cozy, before climbing into bed for the night. If you can find the original stories, they’re entertaining and filled with charitable values.

Service

Make shortbread cookies, shaped like envelopes with a red glitter heart and placed in cellophane bags with a few heart-shaped candies and tie onto neighbors’ doorknobs; or invite them over for a red heart bowl of ice cream and raspberry heart cookies.

A simple way to show love is to cut-out colorful paper hearts. Give each family member several. Write on them things you like about each other and display them near the bedroom door of that family member or all together on a wall.

Create a quilt for a shut-in or wounded soldier.

Decor

Hug a tree: After Christmas, leave a small potted or artificial tree up, cover it in love notes and hearts

Xs and Os: make glittery cardboard X and O letters or find them after after Christmas or in alphabet letter collections – hang on ribbons on the mirror, on a curtain, place on the table

Make wreaths from pliable twigs and after-Christmas artificial branches with berries. Be      creative – anything round and pliable can be formed into a heart shape, this thrifted beautiful, beaded candle ring was a circle and is now a heart.

Hang garlands of Valentines from ribbons in doorways and windows

Red roses are at a premium this holiday – if you like red tulips or another flower, ask for those instead.

When my daughter sent me a beautiful floral arrangement for my late-December birthday, I saved the greens after the flowers faded. For Valentine’s Day, I added glitter hearts on sticks from Hobby Lobby. We just started a new writer’s group, and these were displayed near our snack table.

Float herbs and candles in rosewater for a scented, romantic glow.

Sweet Music and Art

            Play Pachelbel’s Canon in D and other love songs for your family, there are all kinds of beautiful, suites that stir loving feelings. Buy a few, set up a few online accounts or check the library for new CDs

            The following stories have a strong friendship theme and are wonderful exemplars for teaching loyalty and selflessness: Raggedy Ann and Andy stories (Simon and Schuster), The Wind in the Willows, Winnie The Pooh

Borrow the theme of a Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland and host a Galentine’s tea party.

Life Imitates Art

A study performed by UCLA and the University of Rochester found that newlywed couples who watched romantic comedies together and talked about them afterwards had rates of marital success about equal to couples participating in intensive counseling programs.[1] So apparently “hanging out” couples in love, even if they are only make-believe, is good for your relationship. Who doesn’t enjoy being around a couple in love?

           I conducted my own unscientific, biased survey asking respondents for their favorite romance movie picks, and these were the adjusted results (G – PG-13 only) from about 265 responses.

Top choices and the number of votes received. Disclaimer: I have not seen all of them so I cannot vouch for their appropriateness or artistic merit. I did put an asterisk by the ones I love.

*While You Were Sleeping (19)

Somewhere in Time (18)

The Notebook (15)

*Pride and Prejudice (13) especially the version with Colin Firth (swoon).

*The Princess Bride (12)

*Ever After (11)

*You’ve Got Mail (11)

*The Scarlet Pimpernel (didn’t have over 10 votes but the fans were wildly profuse in its praise)

      The remainder of the nominated movies; grab a tissue and box of chocolates and some cheese (best comfort food)  girls and guys and prepare for a media lovefest…

A Walk in the Clouds, A Walk to Remember, Always, An Affair to Remember, An American in Paris, Anne of Avonlea, The Beautician and the Beast, Beauty and the Beast, Bed of Roses, Casablanca, Charade, Charley, Cinderella, Circus World , Clueless, The Cutting Edge, Dan in Real Life, Dances With Wolves, Dear John, Dr. Zhivago, Ella Enchanted, Emma, Enchanted, Ever After, Family Man, 50 First Dates, French Kiss, Ghost, Ghost Town, The Glass Bottom Boat, Gone With The Wind, The Goodbye Girl, Grease, Heaven Can Wait, Hello Dolly, Hiding Out, Hitch, The Holiday, Hope Floats, Jane Austin, Just Like Heaven, Kate and Leopold, A Knight’s Tale, Labor Day, Lady Hawk, Lake House, Leap Year, Legally Blond, Letters to Juliette, Lorna Doone, Love and Basketball, Love Story, Maid in Manhattan, Maid of Honor, Mamma Mia, Man From Snowy River, Meet Joe Black, Message in a Bottle, Miracle on 34^th Street, Miss Potter, Moulin Rouge, My Best Friend’s Wedding, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, My Fair Lady, Never Been Kissed, North and South (British), The Notebook, Notting Hill, On Golden Pond, Only You, The Other Side of Heaven, Out of Africa, The Parent Trap1and 3, Penelope, The Phantom of the Opera, The Philadelphia Story, Pretty in Pink, Pride and Prejudice, The Prince of Persia, The Princess Bride, The Princess Diaries, The Proposal, P.S. I Love You, Pure Country, Return to Me, Romancing the Stone, That Thing You Do, The Runaway Bride, Sabrina, Safe Haven, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sense and Sensibility, Serendipity, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Shadowlands, Sissi, Sleepless in Seattle, Somewhere in Time, Sweet Home Alabama, Superman, Ten Things I Hate About You, Titanic, The Tourist, The Vow, Two Weeks’ Notice, The Wedding Singer, West Side Story, What’s Up Doc?, White Christmas, Wives and Daughters, Your Foolish Heart, You’ve Got Mail

[1] American Psychological Association, Is skills training necessary for the primary prevention of marital distress and dissolution? A 3-year experimental study of three interventions. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol 81(6), Dec 2013, 949-961.

Games and Activities

Musical Hearts

            Write each participant’s name on 2 red hearts, fold in half. Put one of each in a container and as the music plays, have everyone pass the other notes around the circle. When the music stops, draw one name out of the container – announce the name. That person opens the heart in their hand and tells something they like or love about the person on the heart. Play again and again and again.

Projects

            Create a Let me count the ways/ reasons we fell in love and why we stay there book together.

I Love You bookmark

            Fold a 2” x 6” printed scrapbook paper in half so it measures 1”x 6”. Along the folded edge cut half of a capital I, half of a heart and half of a U. Put a small picture behind the heart and using a glue stick attach the scrapbook paper to a 2 ½” x 6 ½” backing paper. Laminate and trim.

Games

Punxsutawney Phil promised an early spring. If you are enjoying a lovely thaw or are in a sunny place, head outdoors for a ray of sunshine and a few games. Not to be fooled, these giant shuttlecocks are the art of Claes Oldenburg. Normal-sized ones are in the sporting goods section of your favorite store.

Valentines

            A week or two before Valentine’s Day, sit down as a family one evening or on a Sunday to create Valentines for each other; don’t forget Grandmas and Grandpas! Hang them on a small tree to use for a centerpiece or other decor. To have a Loveland postmark on mailed Valentines, send your stamped cards in a package to

                                    Postmaster

                                    Attn: Valentines, USPS

                                    Loveland, CO  80538-9998

Make Art

Grab your stash of vintage scrapbook paper and stickers and create a shadow box and paper fan. I used an old frame and covered the picture inside with vintage prints, lightweight mementos and stickers, then hung it with a paper fan.

Dog Tags       

            One of the moms in my son’s Newport Beach kindergarten class gave metal Valentines with each child’s name stamped on it – cute.

Have dog tags made with each child’s name and an I LOVE YOU imprint

            Place love notes around the house – bathroom mirror, in backpacks and lunchboxes, on the doorway on the steering wheel…if you’re artistic, draw cartoons on the notes.

            Create large sparkly Xs and Os, or purchase at a craft store. Place in a vellum (transparent) envelope to mail to loved ones.

            I Love You coupon book – print thoughtful gestures on scrapbook paper (I’ll wash your car, you pick the movie, I’ll make your favorite dessert, good for a girl’s/guy’s night out…) Tie together and give to the lucky recipient.

Give someone a heart attack – I mean tape paper hearts to their front, or office door. Especially sweet for a neighbor or your bishop or pastor.

Menus

I Love You Breakfast

            Heart waffles with strawberries and whipped cream

            Applesauce with cinnamon hearts

            Breakfast casserole of eggs, potatoes O’Brien, sausage, and cheese

Cindy’s Valentine lunches

Pizza Hearts

Sweetheart Dinner

            Beef Stroganoff over noodles

            Spinach and Strawberry salad

            Cinnamon (heart) Rolls

            Cherry Coconut Crumble

            Sparkling Cider or punch with strawberry hearts

Strawberry Hearts

            You can’t have too many hearts on Valentine’s Day. Make Strawberry hearts by cutting a V in the top of the strawberry to remove the leaves. Cut in half or slices – hearts!

Cherry Coconut Crumble

            Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a 9″ x 13″ baking pan, spread

2 cans cherry pie filling

Pour over

1 box Dolly Parton coconut cake dry mix (Duncan Hines)

Melt and drizzle over dry cake mix

3/4 C butter, melted

Add if desired

1 C pecans, chopped

Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour until golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Sparkling Cider

            Pour together equal parts of

apple juice

7up

            Serve with floating strawberry hearts

I’m trying out Substack! With more detailed content including the 14 recipes from the menu for Valentine’s Day. If you you want more – including the recipes, click here and please leave me a comment with your opinion. Thanks!

Aaaand it’s never too early to start planning for Halloween! Here’s the eBook you need to create a unique and fun autumn celebration.

A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2 on Amazon and BN.com

And for your little ones:

Keep your little mermaids swimming in creativity and fun with A Mermade’s Tale on Amazon and BN.com.

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Planning a church adult dinner doesn’t have to be super-stressful. We are here to help.

My daughter and her husband were asked to plan dinners and activities for their church congregation. The original date for an adult dinner in December was postponed because a special guest came into town to visit.

Along with the new post-holiday date, the decor and menu were changed. Here are some of the ideas and recipes we used to entertain about 70 guests, and 5 take-outs in late January (we were told to plan for 80.) My Christmas book will contain full shopping lists, recipes and decor information.

GET READY

Pick a theme. My daughter wanted a late January Valentine’s Day dinner but her bishop vetoed that because he didn’t want single adults to skip attending. We thought about winter wonderland (hence the snowflakes) but decided to focus on a French country theme. The hand-cut snowflakes were so cute, they were invited to grace the walls anyway.

Reserve the site. Spend time at the venue to find out what is available in the kitchen: refrigerator space ( you may need a cooler or two with ice), stove for re-heating dishes. Serving pieces, including spoons, platters, large salad bowls, etc. Salt and pepper shakers, pitchers, tables, towels and dish soap. Learn who to contact to let you into the building to set up, how to access the dumpsters if they are locked and who will lock up the building afterwards.

Determine whether you will need a P.A. system, microphone and speakers. Check the lighting; you may want to create a relaxing low-light environment. Will there be entertainment or an activity? Her group wanted to visit after dinner, but she thought a Bingo game would be a fun way to make sure everyone was engaged.

Gather decor and supplies. A couple of trips to Hobby Lobby and Michael’s for reduced-price Christmas lanterns and into nature to clip some beautiful eucalyptus and rosemary along with a few items from Amazon provided economical, stylish rustic decor.

Choose a menu and ask for volunteers. We decided to do an artisan bread and natural look – – like a beautiful country wedding. A sign-up sheet for bread making and facility set-up was passed around. The menu included:

Smoked beef brisket

Parmesan Potatoes

Million Dollar Salad

Roasted Garlic Asparagus

Handmade artisan breads with butter

Soft-serve ice cream bar with chocolate chip cookies and brownie bites

Filtered spring water in swing-top glass bottles, iced glasses with lemon slices and Martinelli’s sparkling cider (don’t forget bottle openers.)

Using artisan breads, vegetables, grapes, lemons and kale meant that much of the decor could be reused and eaten to reduce waste. We used a new canvas drop cloth for a rustic, textured tablecloth for the buffet table. My daughter’s dried orange and lemon slices added color and contrast. A friend loaned 5 chafing dishes: 4 half-steamer pan sized and one full-sized.

The long 8′ dining tables were chosen so the guests would be able to visit with more neighbors including those across the table, than large round tables allow. The long tables were covered with brown kraft butcher paper; textured moss green gauze scarves were run down the center of each table. On these were placed eucalyptus sprigs, rosemary and dried fruit slices. Each table of 8 seats had a swing-top bottle of water and 2 bottles of sparkling cider to add to the Euro country feel.

The day of the dinner, the breads began to be delivered to my daughter’s house. We wrapped some in cellophane and brown paper for Bingo prizes, which would also include beauty services from ward members and the lanterns – each winner could choose. She gave out 4 loaves of artisan bread, 2 gift certificates and 4 lanterns.

THE BUFFET SERVICE

When setting up a buffet, place the side dishes first, then serve the more expensive entree last. The order of this buffet was: salad, potatoes, asparagus and brisket. The drinks and bread were on the dining tables and the desserts were in another area at a separate table.

Here are the recipes for the Million Dollar Salad and Parmesan Potatoes

Million Dollar Salad (we made 3 of these for 75 servings)

This recipe came from my friends in Newport Beach, CA. These ladies know how to cook!

In a large mixing bowl, toss

1 lb. Spring Greens lettuce mix

1 1/2 C dried cranberries

1 1/2 C praline pecans (chopped)

1 1/2 C crumbled feta cheese

1/4 – 1/2 C diced red onion

Just before serving, add

1 bottle Girard’s Champagne salad dressing

Make a salad as needed to refill the salad serving bowl, don’t make all of the salads ahead of time, the greens will wilt if dressed ahead.

PARMESAN SCALLOPED POTATOES

The Parmesan Potato recipe is from a YouTube video ( the link is above). We chose this one because it contained about the same ingredients as my daughters’ favorite garlic mashed potatoes that she originally wanted to serve. The ladies who were helping make the potatoes for the buffet kept asking if she planned to serve gravy, which she didn’t want to do; so we switched to a baked potato dish instead. Since we were giving several people the ingredients to cook and bring to the church ready to serve, we altered it so it could be baked in disposable half-steamer pans that would fit in the chafing dishes . This recipe will feed about 20 people, we used 4 recipes of this.

Place a disposable 10″ x 12″ half steamer pan on a baking sheet. Use 2 pans if you want it to bake faster. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare

5 lbs. thin-skinned potatoes, washed and thinly sliced and divided into 4 portions

3 cloves garlic, crushed, divided into 4 portions

Place one fourth of the potatoes (overlapping) in the pan to cover the bottom, you will have 4 layers when finished. Over the first layer, sprinkle 1/4 of the crushed garlic

salt and pepper

a light sprinkling of dried thyme and nutmeg

Repeat with the next layer of potatoes and spices, repeat until the 4 layers are in the pan. Pour over

3 C heavy whipping cream

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Uncover the potatoes and allow the cream to reduce by baking another 15 – 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender and cream thickened. Sprinkle over 4-5 oz. grated Parmesan cheese and return to the oven. Broil on low until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Sprinkle a little nutmeg over the cheese.

It was a delightful evening. The beautiful decor put the guests at ease. The delicious foods made everyone happy and the raucous Bingo game was fun. The MC was a charming and witty man who kept the evening lively with his cool music and funny banter. The disposable dishes and tablecloth meant cleanup was quick and easy. It was a successful and fun event. What are you planning this season?

Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Day!

Dr. King was a pastor and warrior for equal justice and rights under the law. We honor his work and legacy in fighting for freedom and the equal protection that all Americans are granted under the U.S. Constitution, especially the Thirteenth Amendment.

This is America, the Land of the Free, where all citizens are declared equal and all have the opportunity to make their dreams and wishes come true through hard work and diligence.

One of my favorite Hollywood treatments of the Equal Rights Movement of the 1960s is Hidden Figures, which is currently available to stream on Disney+. Suitable for all ages, it is an personable look at the women of color who worked for NASA and helped the U.S.A. achieve the goal of putting astronaut Alan Shepard in space and eventually on the moon and back safely.

When our son was living in Selma, Alabama as an LDS missionary, his father and I watched the movie Selma. It was a difficult movie to watch, it depicted troubling times. Suitable for parents, I would screen it before showing it to youth.

On this day we honor the Americans who have worked and sacrificed to provide a land of freedom and opportunity for all. We at McMurtry Creative Media also thank the military and law enforcement officers who, through their sacrifices, provide the safety that affords us opportunities to pursue the American Dream.

From the U. S. Department of Justice: “In February 2017, just weeks after taking office, President Trump issued an executive order – the “Back the Blue” order – that directed the Department of Justice to enhance the protection and safety of our law enforcement.

This is a high priority and critical mission for us. Law enforcement is a noble profession and one that demands respect. Police officers are the thin blue line that stands between law-abiding people and criminals, between order and lawlessness. They protect our communities, and by enforcing our laws, they enable those communities to flourish. I believe it is one of the highest callings of my job as United States Attorney to call attention to the successes of law enforcement and to encourage our fellow citizens to support police officers in their difficult and dangerous work.”

To those Americans who take our freedom and opportunities seriously, we add our voice and prayers of gratitude for all who are trying to make our world a better place.

A new year brimming with possibilities has dawned. When contemplating the panorama of all of the wonder we can imagine for the coming year, I encourage us all to keep working to make the world a better place.

For one child.

For one family.

For one community.

For one nation.

We can start where we are and build, letting the ripples of our positive thoughts and deeds spread and grow happiness.

Remember to be grateful.

Remember the sacrifices of those who went before us.

Remember to keep looking up. Our Creator loves us and has glorious plans for our future.

Remember you are loved and valued.

Happy New Year!

P.S. The better half of McMurtry Creative Media reminded me that Saturday is Epiphany and maybe then we can put my favorite Christmas decor away. Maybe…

A Nativity painting by American artist N.C. Wyeth

Our wish for you this Christmas season is that of peace, prosperity, good health and joy. Thank you for sharing the season with us and we sincerely hope you find spiritual enlightenment, creativity, fulfillment and little ways to increase your happiness.

Our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared this video about the birth of Christ, we hope you will take a few minutes and remember His beautiful life and that He is the Reason for the Season.

Best wishes!

Newell and Pam McMurtry

All finished! This fun guide to homemade treats and treasures is finally wrapped up. Here are a few of the adorable projects you will find inside:

Easy decorating and entertaining ideas.

A Christmas quiet book for your favorite busy little person.

Wool felt advent stockings to count down the days.

Treats and sweets to celebrate the birth of the Savior.

Little gifties for your favorite people.

Heritage gifts that highlight family history in fun and creative ways.

Stories and media to enrich your family’s enjoyment of Christmas.

Creative table settings for memorable meals.

Handmade crafts and gifts from the heart.

Decorating ideas to help us remember the Reason for the Season.

From our home to yours – warmest wishes for your merriest Christmas ever!

Other books in the artisan series:

A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2nd Edition a book of fun and alternative activities, recipes and parties to create your happiest autumn and Halloween ever.

A Mermade’s Tale: The Adventures of Shell and Pearl , a quiet chapter book filled with stories of the lives of mermaid children, crafts and creative fun.

Christmas comes to Missouri. McMurtry Creative Media has relocated to the beautiful state of Missouri; it is home and we are grateful. Almost settled in, we are preparing to celebrate our favorite holiday – Christmas. A Christmas Handicraft Handbook: Thinking of You is well under way and nearly complete. Filled with sweet and special ideas for gift-giving, decorating, entertaining family and friends and focusing on the Savior, it has been a joy to work on these many years. A few new additions to the manuscript and illustrations this year include this beautiful print purchased at Hobby Lobby.

Old World in style, I love the tender rendering and focus on the Babe of Bethlehem. Christmas is a holiday celebrated by over 2 billion people worldwide. As we celebrate the precious gift of God’s Son let us remember why He came and how we can follow Him.

Ancient Israel celebrated the Feast of the Tabernacles for a week every fall. Many scholars believe that America’s Thanksgiving evolved from this holiday. Today the Feast of the Tabernacles or Sukkot, is observed by many Jewish people with rituals that include the building of a Sukkah and living in it, or at least having dinner in it for a week during Sukkot.

The celebration of blessings of the harvest has been a tradition for many cultures. Learn more about the ancient and modern practices and ways Christians can enjoy the festivities of the harvest without the dark pagan traditions that have wormed their way in over the centuries.

A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2 shares party plans, decor, recipes, costume ideas and everything you need to have your happiest Halloween ever!

Here are a few favorites:

All this and more!

Download your A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2 today!

Kiddos learn best when they are having fun and here’s a way to learn and beat the summer heat with these entertaining and educational Pioneer Day activities.

The settling of the West in America in the 19th Century was an exhausting, daunting task. My ancestors were among thousands of pioneers who braved the elements, hostile animals, and other difficulties to carve out communities in the West.

Last summer I created Pioneer kits with supplies and instructions for celebrating the hardy souls who settled the West. This year, I collected all of the instructions, patterns and recipes and put them in a digital kit to help you make the best Pioneer Day activity for your family, neighborhood, church group, reunion or anyone who wants to honor our intrepid forebearers.

There’s a pattern for stick horses to race to put out wildfires and bag buffaloes, games to show off skills and round up dogies, plus over a dozen activities that teach children about taming the wilderness with fun for all ages and recipes that are popular for Western celebrations.

Join the westward migration with your own DIY celebration!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1507290194/pioneer-day-activity-kit-for-children?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pioneer+day+kit&ref=sr_gallery-1-1&organic_search_click=1

This instant digital download is available on Etsy, get yours today!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1507290194/pioneer-day-activity-kit-for-children?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=pioneer+day&ref=sr_gallery-1-12&organic_search_click=1&epik=dj0yJnU9ckVtd1lyZ21QVG1MNlpsRThweTJLOGY5TWE4YVM2SHUmcD0wJm49aWYwWFlpay1IZnBpQTZORmlDeXFQdyZ0PUFBQUFBR1N1UGx3

Keep your children close and teach them about those that came before.

Some of the Best of the West:

The Transcontinental Railroad joins the East and West coasts at promontory Point.

Exactly 100 years before America put a man on the moon, the Transcontinental Railroad traverses North America, creating faster travel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Western cowboys show off their mad skills at rodeos. After the Civil War, the western expansion put many veterans to work as cowboys.

150 years later, the tradition lives on in competitions across the West. This rodeo at Kamas, Utah was very entertaining!

A Pioneer Era window from a chapel in Salt Lake City. Though the road to freedom of worship was long and hard, the devotion of early Latter-day Saints was exhibited in their artistry that made places of worship, places of beauty too.

Happy Pioneer Day and thank you to our early forbearers that sacrificed to create Zion in the wilderness and make America great.

Happy Pioneer Day!