Category: pammcmurtry.com

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Getting Ready to Wish America Happy Birthday!


I’m working on a manuscript for A Holiday Handbook 2 and found this transcript from The Kim Power Stilson show 2 years ago celebrating “Pilgrims, Pioneers and Patriots: The Builders of our Nation” on 25 June 2014. I am also back to work on family history and thought this might be interesting for my family to read.

Here is a little piece of Americana for your summer reading enjoyment.

A partial transcript from the 
Kim Power Stilson Show 
on BYU Sirius XM Radio 143

Kim, Thank you for inviting me here today to have a little chat about the “Builders of our Nation” – Our heroes the Pilgrims, Patriots and Pioneers.
We’re getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July next week and Pioneer Day on July 24th. I thought it might be nice to share stories about these epic people who changed the world.  We usually think about Pilgrims in the fall, but their contributions and part of the story of the rise of America might be considered around the birthday of our great country.

The dictionary defines a Pilgrim as “ one who journeys in foreign lands :  wayfarer
 one who travels to a shrine or holy place as a devotee
capitalized :  one of the English colonists settling at Plymouth in 1620

When we talk about America, we might consider that some of the first “Pilgrims” were the English settlers in Virginia. Jamestown was established in Virginia and was the first permanent English settlement in the Americas. William Kelso says Jamestown “is where the British Empire began,…Established by the Virginia Company of London as “James Fort” on May 4, 1607.  This was an exciting time in world history. The Virginia Colony was named for Queen Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII, who was called the “Virgin Queen” because she never married. At this time in England, there was a lot of religious conflict. You might remember that Elizabeth belonged to the Anglican Church that her father started, and had her cousin Mary Queen of Scots executed after a failed coup involving Spain and the Catholic Church. In 1603 as she lay dying, Elizabeth named James, the son of Mary and King of Scotland as her heir. So James came to England to inherit the throne and Elizabeth’s favorite entertainers, one of which you may have heard of: William Shakespeare who began writing for his new patron works like King Lear and Macbeth which included a reference to King James’s ancestor, Fleance the son of Banquo for you Macbeth fans. In addition to enjoying the literary works of Shakespeare, King James had another project going on, he was continuing the  commission Elizabeth had started on  an English translation of the Bible, which we know of as the King James Bible. 
Back in America, several attempts to establish colonies had failed, including the Lost Colony of Roanoke. Another Colony upriver, the Berkley Colony was growing and was actually the site of the first Thanksgiving in 1619, the year before the Pilgrims arrived. But Jamestown served as the capital of the colony for 83 years, from 1616 until 1699.
The settlement was located within the country of the Powhatan Confederacy. The natives initially welcomed and provided crucial provisions and support for the colonists, who were not very agriculturally savvy. Unfortunately their relations went bad and wars between the settlers and native Americans began .and this unfortunate situation will come into play again during the Revolutionary War. The mortality rate at Jamestown was very high due to disease and starvation, with over 80% of the colonists perishing in 1609-1610 in what became known as the “Starving Time“. About half of the Pilgrims died that first winter at Plymouth.
In 1608, the Virginia Company brought Polish and German colonists to help improve the settlement, as well as the first women. In 1619, the first documented Africans were brought to Jamestown. The following year, the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts.
Shakespeare retired in 1611 and died in 1616.James Fort in Virginia became James towne in 1619. In 1699, the capital was relocated from Jamestown to what is today Williamsburg, after which Jamestown ceased to exist as a settlement, and today is an archaeological site.
KIM, Have you ever visited Colonial Williamsburg? American history buffs really need to go see the finesse and culture exhibited by the early colonists. So you have the British colonies established. Let’s jump ahead to 1750 to tell the story of one American Patriot. When we visited on St.Patrick’s Day, I told the story of one Irish-American family and their experience during the Revolutionary War.
Elizabeth Duncan was born in beautiful Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1750 to Scottish parents who had emigrated from Ireland. When she was six years old her father died and her help was needed to keep the family alive. She grew up a hard worker and when she was 25, she fell in love and married Samuel Porter who had recently come from Ireland to America with his five or six brothers. Samuel had joined the Virginia Militia where he was assigned to protect settlers from Indian attacks. They moved to the Kentucky region which was then part of Virginia to build a homestead with several friends and relatives.
While there, the entire community was captured by Indians and it is thought British soldiers because they were not scalped. All of their livestock was taken and they were marched as prisoners of war to Detroit. Elizabeth was expecting their third child at the time. During the 600+ mile march, Samuel was forced to carry their little daughter Margaret and Elizabeth tried to keep their toddler son form making noise “lest their captors dash out his brains in front of his mother.” Although she was permitted to ride much of the way, she often spent hours with her feet in water. They endured abuse by their captors and nearly starved to death.
When they arrived at the prison camp, they were placed in stockades and pens like animals. Samuel was sentenced to be executed.
Elizabeth was assigned to cook for the British officers, which turned out to be a blessing. She was able to collected scraps of bread and meat and hide them in the “dishwater” tub which she placed near the building where Samuel was imprisoned so he could reach through the boards and get the food, probably saving his life.
Elizabeth and others were then taken over 700 miles from Detroit to Quebec, Canada where they remained prisoners of the British and Shawnee Indians. During the winter of 1780, which has been called a “little Ice Age” because it was so cold that the New York harbor froze and people could walk from Manhattan to Staten Island, Elizabeth and her children were north of New York approximately parallel to Vermont. It was there that her third baby was born.
Can you imagine living in those conditions? In all of the world’s history, the concept of freedom has been enjoyed by a relative few. The fight for a democratic government was so dear to the hearts of the people and so hard won, we don’t even know most of the sacrifices that were made by early Americans.
When the war ended, Elizabeth carried her youngest child and took the two others back to Virginia, about 1200 miles. If you can imagine a young mother, probably in rags with no money and three small children trying to get home, you wonder how they survived. You can see why it is imperative that we help the poor and struggling, as I’m sure people did for Elizabeth. Her home and all of her possessions were taken and she didn’t know if Samuel was still alive.
For a moment, fortune favored Samuel. The British commanding officer had taken a liking to Samuel and had stayed his execution. When the war ended he was free to return to Virginia to try to find out what had become of his family. But his luck didn’t last long. Because an American officer didn’t like him, Samuel was tried for treason by the Americans. Poor guy, he couldn’t win either way. He was acquitted and finally reunited with his Elizabeth and their three children. They started to rebuild their lives, a home and went on to have three or four more children.
While Samuel and his then four sons were building a house, they were once again attacked by Indians, but a band of wild dogs appeared and drove the attackers away. Another time Margaret and her sister Tabitha were going after water when they passed a group of braves hiding near a stream. For some reason, they left the girls alone. Samuel died and Elizabeth joined her sons in Jackson County Missouri where she died and was buried in 1845.
One of the interesting things about this story is that in Elizabeth’s day, she saw the rise of America and the signing of the Constitution of the United States. Joseph Smith was born on a farm in Vermont, the Church of Jesus Christ and priesthood power were restored to the earth and Joseph died, all within one lifespan. Elizabeth’s participation in the Revolutionary War, her sacrifice and courage have been honoredby the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution.  

Framed Mary Engelbreit print. 

A classic Independence Day picnic!

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Healthy snacks for your summer road trip and staycations

When you are ready to hit the road, take along healthier snacks and diversions for more summer fun! This is an article I wrote for FamilyShare:

http://familyshare.com/family/the-open-road-beckons-healthy-and-happy-snacks-and-diversions-for-your-summer-road-trips

  • Come away, come away, come away with me!
    As summer breezes begin to blow, the temptation to embark on an adventure becomes almost irresistible (do you remember the Wind in the Willows?) Here is a menu to fuel the energy of your wanderlust and set you on a course for a wunderbar journey. (Approved by my Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetic Educator husband.)
    Healthy and happy foods make for good traveling companions. If you eat mostly healthy food, you’ll feel better and will probably consume fewer calories than if you eat a lot of junk food. The cold things need to be in a cooler with ice and the rest can be packed in a cute container with compartments or in a basket that’s easy to get to. A friend always puts her veggies in mason jars with ice water. Don’t forget paper towels, wet wipes or wet washcloths in bags and a trash bag.
    Tip: My sister-in-law makes her husband stop once a day for a sit-down meal on long road trips. I like to pack a portable propane grill or chef’s single burner, a pot, spoon, disposable paper plates and bowls. You can heat up soup, and add a packaged salad or cook a simple meal, even oatmeal or eggs for breakfast.
    When you are trying to make good time on the road, here are some of our favorite snacks to pack for the journey.

  • Drinks

    A cooler filled with ice and drinks will be your best friend on the road. Consider forgoing the usual sodas (sticky) and try some of these suggestions:
    Water and fruit-infused water in bottles (strawberry, orange, lemon, cucumber, etc.)
    Sometimes you need caffeinated soda for drowsiness. It can also be diluted half and half with water so it’s not so sweet, or try the diet variety.
    Fruit juices and nectars
    V8 and vegetable juices
    (Vernor’s) ginger ale for motion sickness
    Bring straws.

  • Snacks

    A cramped car is the last place you want to jam a bunch of sugar-filled children. Give the traditional candy and chocolate bars a break on this trip and pack some of these items instead.
    Mixed nuts
    String cheese
    Whole grain crackers
    Popcorn
    Trail Mix: I don’t like raisins and sticky foods in the car, but we do have a great dry trail mix made with mixed nuts, M&Ms, whole grain cereal and candy corn.
    Confession: I like adding oat and marshmallow cereal (Lucky Charms), but you could make it healthier with whole grain oat or wheat cereal. Pack it in bags or keep it in a large container and scoop out small paper cupfuls to pass around:
    2 C plain M & Ms (about a pound)
    5 C mixed nuts or peanuts
    1 1/2 C candy corn
    4 C cereal
    Also: 
    Olives
    Fresh fruits: grapes, apples, bananas and cut up melon for older and neater eaters
    Fresh veggies: carrots, jicama, cucumber, grape tomatoes, celery, broccoli, peppers
    Sandwiches, wraps and pinwheels (tortilla rolls with cream cheese, meat, tomato slices and lettuce)
    Whole grain bagels and cream cheese
    When you know the trip will be long, don’t waste time stopping numerous times for food. Instead, why not consider packing a loaf of whole wheat bread and jars of peanut butter, honey or jelly (and a spreader). It’s a money-saver as well as a time saver on the road. You may also offer your hungry passengers these items:
    Yogurt in tubes
    Bar cookies are usually thicker and more stable than round ones
    Homemade granola bars
    More travel tips:
    Pack a Frisbee or football for quick and stretching workouts at rest stops. Be sure to find a safe place to play.
    Bring something soft and fuzzy like a stuffed toy or blankie for young travelers. Stroking something soft helps relieve stress. (The cat probably would rather be left at home.)
    Pack some sunscreen in the car for stops and sightseeing.
    Paint the back of a wooden tray with chalkboard paint and pack some chalk and a rag. If you don’t want crayons and markers in the car, the kids can still draw and play games and the tray can be used for snacks and a play surface.
    Busy books, paper dolls, toy cars and dinosaurs and simple travel games can be wonderful. You can get ideas and free templates on social media sites.
    Incentives: have a container of money in the car labeled with a list of forbidden actions like name-calling, whining, hitting, etc. If the kids get out of line, take out some of the money. Give them what is left for souvenirs and special treats.
    Buy a donut-shaped travel pillow for each passenger. They are heavenly for a quick snooze without waking up with a stiff neck.
    Check out a few well-written audio books from the library. You may tire of the constant interaction, conversation and “togetherness.” Put on a good story and relax; better yet, find a series. Listening makes the time pass faster, too. To keep the happiness meter up, we love good comedies by Dave Barry and Bill Cosby. Do your older children have books they need to read for school? You can knock out a reading assignment and have an interesting discussion to boot.
    You don’t have to leave your happy, healthy lifestyle on the side of the road. With a little preparation ahead of time, your family trip can be just as pleasant along the way as the anticipated destination.
  • Beef jerky
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Old-fashioned Ideas for Summer Fun

Here are ideas for summer play from an article I wrote for FamilyShare:

Old-fashioned ideas for summer fun

Summer is a great time to enjoy creative play with your children and grandchildren. Here’s a big jar full of creative activities to help you enjoy your busy and happy little ones this summer.

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  • Summer days are like a canvas; ready for painting in any imaginative way. Freed from the restraints of school performance and other scheduled obligations, children are ready to let their imaginations run wild. In the days gone by, parents encouraged their kids to play outside, usually without a lot of supervision or expensive props. Enjoy some of the best of the past by turning the little ones loose to explore and create their own interesting adventures and worlds. The lawn may take a hit, but remember, you are raising children, not grass. Provide lots of drinking water and a few healthy snacks and watch the exquisite workings of the imagination unfold!

  • Here are a few ideas for enjoyable old-fashioned summer play

    Fill a large jar with slips of paper with ideas for activities and games. After chores are finished or if boredom begins to rear its ugly head, let the children select a slip of paper to jumpstart imaginative play. For ideas to fill your activity jar, you can download a list here.

  • No purchase necessary

    Provide simple items and encourage the children to participate in imaginative play. A few things to have on hand might include: large cardboard boxes, building toys such as interlocking blocks and Tinkertoys, old dress-up clothes, a few pots and pans, play money, dolls and assorted things (clean out a junk drawer).

  • Kids love a hideaway

    Help the children create one by setting up a tent or tying up a few ropes and blankets. This becomes a fort, store, castle, fashion show, stage or spy base. They are only limited by their imaginations. My sister, brother and I used to love playing together and with the other children in the neighborhood. We were secret agents, shopkeepers, fashion models, teachers and nurses, mermaids and stars. We created treasure hunts, obstacle courses, private clubs, zoos, safaris and worlds of wonder — even an imaginary candy land (before Willy Wonka).

  • Here are some simple ideas for themed play

  • Superspy

    Create surveillance and communication equipment from assorted stuff: old lipstick tubes, interlocking blocks and other junk. This might be challenging for kids used to having cell phones, but put away the real electronics and see what their brilliant little minds can come up with. From their super secret spy base, they may just save the world!

  • Box it up

    A whole world of transportation can be created from cardboard boxes. From trains and planes to cars, boats and rockets, your adventurers can zoom around the world and beyond. Other uses: forts, shops, castles and home sweet home.

  • Little Squirts

    Acquire an arsenal of hydrotactical assault weapons (get some water guns.) This is a tip from a recent high school graduate. Refill buckets are essential, but keep babies and toddlers away.

  • Wildflower Tea Party

    Invite the girls for a charming social. The hostess can make and hand out invitations, set the table (which could be a box), gather flowers for a centerpiece, pour juice and pass cookies and sweets.

  • Treasure Hunt

    Turn the older creative ones loose to create a treasure hunt for the little ones. Find landmarks, hide clues and try to get to the prize before the pirates do.

  • Dress up

    Gather a few interesting pieces of clothing and create a Bible story, fashion show or play. Our favorites were Peter Pan, we were either flying or playing mermaids in our wading pool, rock star and runway. On Sundays the Old Testament provides lots of great epic tales to recreate.
    Free playtime is a great incentive and reward for finishing chores. Children love creating all kinds of fun using invention and wit and developing social and imaginative skills. Save money and enjoy a little old-fashioned fun this summer with your children, you will be glad you did.
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Homegrown Summer Fun

As you and your littles hit the beach, hit the road or enjoy a staycation, here a few favorite blast-from-the-past summer blogs to jumpstart your creativity – happy summer everyone!

I love the ocean. I believe that the beach is one of the places Mother Nature is at her finest.
I spent my growing up years at, near or in the ocean and would like to share a few tips
to help make your beach days even more pleasant. For all you lucky ones who will spend your day frolicking in the surf, enjoy!
Taking children to swim at the beach? Get a tide chart and check for low tide, the waves are smaller and usually more gentle. You can go to this website, select your beach and get a schedule for the days you’ll be at the ocean.

Flotation devices make the day more fun; Boogey boards and inner tubes take you over the top!
Look for a beach with lifeguards, they are trained to spot unsafe water conditions such as rip tides and sharks. They keep an eye on everything happening on their beach, are trained in first aid and are worth their weight in gold.

Watch for warning flags near the water; some warn of unsafe conditions, others delineate surf and swim areas. Obey warning signs, these people know what they are talking about.

Say a little prayer for me; don’t forget a little prayer of thanks and help for a safe and fun day.

Near the water, the tiny v-shaped marks in the sand mean sand crabs. If you dig a hole and let the waves swirl in, sometimes you can see sand crabs swimming around. Pick one up, they tickle!

Buckets, shovels, sieves and molds make building a blast!

One word: SUNSCREEN.

Bring bags for shell collecting. The earlier in the morning you go, the better the selection. You probably don’t want to take home crabs and seaweed, they don’t live very long and get stinky. Some places, such as tide pools, have restrictions on taking things from nature. Just watch for signs and follow the rules. If you can’t find shells you like, there are often gift stores nearby that sell them as well as post cards to help you remember your summer fun.

Jellyfish – leave them alone. Most are not lethal, but if you do get stung, white vinegar applied to the site for 15 – 30 minutes quickly will neutralize the toxins and ease the pain. Remove tentacles and stingers, you can use a credit card to scrape them off. If the victim experiences difficulty breathing get medical help immediately.

A final word of advice, don’t shave before going in salt water – ouch!

Have a wonderful day the beach – God’s playground for children.

photo courtesy of
http://hd-wallpapers-widescreen.thundafunda.com/desktop-images/beach-backgrounds/coasta-holiday-sand-beach/


(This entry is from the archives/May 2012) 

You LOVE your children and want to have fun and make good memories. But – those summer days can be a bit long. Here are a few ideas for activities for a happy summer. Print, cut up into slips, pick out the ones that work for your family and store in a cute container. When they finish their chores and are looking for things to do, here you go. Happy Summer!

I’m packing a picnic basket with more ideas for homemade summer fun, watch for them here at pammcmurtry.com!
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Congratulations Bill!

Congratulations to my oldest son Bill who yesterday graduated from law school. While that in itself is an admirable achievement, the fact that he did it while working full time to support his wife and 4 children, serving in the church and community and doing all of the things a busy dad does is really and accomplishment. We are proud of our our Juris Doctorate and know that he will do his part to promote the laws of “one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.”

In a few weeks he will take the bar. Well done WiIlliam, well done.

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Etching, Drawings, Paintings and Photographs

Drypoint Etching 
 The Light of the World

Drawings

 Old Ugly Charcoal
 Skull Charcoal

Watercolor Paintings
 Castle
 Shepherdess after Bouguereau

 Tulips and Daffodils from my Garden
 Autumn at Garden Park Ward

Oil Paintings

 An American Kitchen
 Warts and All
Photos from Manuscripts and Newspaper Articles 

 The cover of A Harvest and Halloween Handbook published as an ebook and currently under consideration at Covenant Publishing
 Gingerbread House from A Christmas Handbook under consideration at Covenant Publishing; an article for the Long Island Pulse, the Deseret News and other newspapers

Merry 
A holiday window decoration created for the 
City Creek Macys in Salt Lake City made with 100 pounds of candy.

 Easter article for the Deseret News, other newspapers and A Holiday Handbook manuscript under consideration at Covenant Publishing
 Feast of the Tabernacles Sukkah from  
A Harvest and Halloween Handbook
 1 of 32 coloring pages from A Harvest and Halloween Handbook

 Button and scrap crafts from 
A Harvest and Halloween Handbook
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Happy Mother’s Day

I say it every year, but I am so very grateful for my wonderful mother. She inspired my creativity, love of family, good grammar and every lovely thing in my world. I wrote this poem about her and my other special women who have loved and taught me so well. So once again, Happy Mother’s Day to my favorite mom! 

A Tribute to Mother
“Mother I love you so,” said the child.
“I love you more than I know.”
She laid her head on her mother’s arm
And the love between them kept them warm.”
Margaret Florence Smith
Happy Mother’s Day to my

Mother,
Grandmother,
Aunt,
Sisters, 
 Step-mom

and Friends;
The women who give life,
nurture
and give joy.

Who bled,
 
and fed,
and hid Easter eggs,
and wrapped gifts
and dyed Halloween costumes.
Who took me to the zoo

and Disneyland,
and grew pumpkins,
and taught me to play chess
and feed my babies.
Who taught me to write thank you notes
And have good manners
and remember birthdays
and ancestors
(and love them).

And gave me crayons

and dolls
and retainers
and fishnet nylons
and a radio to take to the beach.
Who took me to visit my grandparents
and on road trips
and swimming
and had a barbecue.
Who taught me to pray
and love
and find joy
and set a beautiful table.
And to watch out for little ones,
and spell correctly,
 and feed stray kittens,
and read books.
And to try,
and fail,
and try again.
Who found our great grandfathers were kings
and great grandmothers were queens.  
Who took pictures,
and listened as I learned to read,
and filled a piñata.
And eat Thanksgiving at the beach like Pilgrims,
and go on bike rides,
and read Luke on Christmas Eve,
and sing carols,
and find treats in my stocking.
To share with those in need,
and love art and beauty,
and wear bows in my hair
and shoes that fit,
and remember God and go to church.
Who sewed clothes,
and prayed for soldiers,
and firemen,
and missionaries,
and me. 
Who baked cakes
and arranged flowers,
and made 20,000 meals,
and made me brush my teeth.
And bought sugar sticks,
and made drawings,
and bread,
and Beef Stroganoff.

And soothed wounded hearts,
and took us to movies,
and to the woods,
and the sea.
And played
and prayed
and gave time and love and life.
Thank you.

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Happy Easter!

 
My first experience making public art came at Easter time. I was in Mrs. Bond’s 6th grade class at Valley Jr. High in Carlsbad, California. I practically begged her to allow me to decorate a bulletin board with a large rabbit and the oh-so-clever (at the time) phrase HOPPY EASTER. She gave permission and butcher paper and I went to work creating my first exhibition. Looking back now, the funny thing is, I was not afraid at all. Critics? Who needs them.
 
 

 

While the Spring weather here in Utah is a bit bi-polar; sunny one day, snowing the next, you might be able to squeeze in an Easter tea between egg hunts and snowball fights.

 

To me the real meaning of Easter is remembering and thanking Jesus Christ for his Atonement which places us back in line with God’s love and grace and hopes for our futures. I wrote this analogy to help explain why we need a Savior and how much His love means to me. 

 



http://www.pammcmurtry.com/search?q=The+Miraculous+Atonement+of+Jesus+Christ%3A+The+First+Easter+

 
I put this on my bog every year because I love it so much. This activity helps children learn about their Savior and his experience at the first Easter.
 
From the brilliant ladies in Newport Beach; thanks for sharing.
 
A simplified account of Christ’s atonement is told in these Easter Miracle Eggs. Each egg contains a scripture and tiny object that represents part of the Easter story. After the eggs are gathered, open them in order and read each scripture.

All you need are a dozen plastic eggs and a few items to tuck inside. Number the end of the eggs 1 -12 with a permanent marker. Print the following text, cut into strips and place inside the corresponding numbered eggs by highlighting them, pressing control and “p” on a p.c. (choose “selection”) , or command and “p” on a mac. The objects inside the eggs are:
1. a small cup (check craft stores for a small unfinished wood thimble)
2. 3 dimes
3. 2 – 3″ of twine
4. a chunk of soap
5. A tiny red robe shape cut out of felt
6. wooden or heavy paper cross
7. dice
8. 1 1/2″ x 1 1/2″ square of white fabric, torn almost in half
9. a 1 1/2″ x 11/2″ square of white fabric
10. a small rock
11. a few whole cloves and a bay leaf
12. This egg will remain empty
Tell the story about the sacrament of the Last Supper and Christ’s night in Gethsemane, how he paid the price for all of mankind’s sins if they repented and that they might be able to return to heaven and live with the Father . The following scripture verses are taken from the New Testament in the Holy Bible. 
1. “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.” (Luke 22:42 – 43)

2. Zechariah, a prophet of the Old Testament foretold that Christ would be ransomed or betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirtypieces of silver. ” (Matthew 26: 14 – 15)

3. “When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. (Matthew 27: 1 -2)

4. “When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. (Matthew 27: 24)

5. “And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they hadplaited a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.” (Matthew 27: 28 – 30)

6. “And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.” (Matthew 27: 31 – 32.)

7. “And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.” (Matthew 27: 35)

8. “Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27: 50, 51, 54)

9. “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathæa, namedJoseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple:He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth” (Matthew 27; 58 – 60)

10. “And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.” (Matthew 27: 60, 65, 66)

11. “And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow…Andthe angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. (Mark 16: 1, Matthew 28: 2 – 5)

12. “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead” Matthew 28: 6 – 7) 

 These oh-so-delish butterscotch egg nests are edible and do double-duty as a Easter meal place card. Here’s a tidbit of Easter history and the recipe:
 

 

 
While we are enjoying our Easter dinner we will be thinking about our family far away and our gracious Savior who made forever families a reality. Our son Andrew and his family will be joining us in 3 weeks as they come from Virginia to say good-bye. He will be stationed for 3 years in Italy with the US Army. Our reunion and celebration will occur then, our children will gather  and we will meet his new baby Ender and say farewell for now. But Sunday we will enjoy our favorite traditional Easter menu.
 
McMurtry Easter Menu


Glazed ham – we like Costco’s red foil-wrapped cooked ham 

Green salad with dried cranberries, feta, sugared pecans and Girard’s light campagne dressing

Au gratin potatoes, this year we are trying a variation with
jalapenos, mmm.

Roasted asparagus

Green bean and onion ring casserole

Coconut pineapple ambrosia

Bunny buns (rabbit-shaped croissants)

Light carrot cake with pecans and cream cheese frosting

From the McMurtrys’ home to yours, have a blessed and happy Easter!


 

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Erin Go Bragh!


It’s said that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so put on your best green and get ready for a little magic on the Kim Power Stilson show. 

March 17th at @ 3 p.m. Eastern/1 p.m. Mountain


Find out just how much you know about one of the world’s greatest missionaries and the Emerald Isle. 


Here’s the transcript:
 


Leprechaun Cottage Garden                    Pam McMurtry Designs



For your St. Patrick’s Day dinner, this Leprechaun cottage garden is a nutritious craft that does double-duty as a appetizer and centerpiece 

To make your own leprechaun cottage you will need:


A medium-size unfinished wooden birdhouse ($4.99 @ Michael’s craft store)
White gesso or tempera paint
Burnt umber acrylic paint
Light green acrylic paint
Large and small paintbrushes
A handful of large and small pebbles
Dry green moss
Twigs
A hot glue gun and glue sticks or thick craft glue
Shamrock or decoration if desired

  • Whitewash the birdhouse with 3 – 4 coats of gesso, allow to dry between each coat. 
  • Paint the door and base green and the eaves and doorknobs brown.
  • Hot glue small pebbles around the door and larger ones around base of the house, filling in with the tiniest ones.
  • Glue the twigs along the front and back of the roof edges and over the window. Glue moss to the roof and tops of the pebbles.
  • Add an ornament if desired. Hide a few gold foil-covered coins inside the cottage.
LEPRECHAUN GARDEN

Decorate your St. Patrick’s Day dinner table with a leprechaun garden crudités that does double-duty as an appetizer and a centerpiece. 

It’s easy to create; just set the leprechaun cottage on a tray or in a shallow basket. Trim off the stem ends of a four-pack of washed mini lettuce heads or a bunch of kale and place in a bowl of water to rinse and refresh like you do with a bouquet of cut fresh flowers After you shake off excess water and drain upside down for a few minutes, place around the cottage for the garden base.. Prepare small vegetables as directed and place them in the lettuce heads in rows or bunches. Serve with your favorite garden or ranch dip, tinted green, in a hollowed bell pepper.

TINY VEGETABLES

Bite-size potatoes; wash, lightly coat with canola or olive oil and bake for about 30 minutes at 425 degrees, or until soft. (I bought these at Sprouts in Salt Lake City)
Blanch the following vegetables for the leprechaun garden. Boil 3-4 quarts of water in a large pot. Add vegetables, blanch for the recommended time, remove with a slotted spoon then immerse in cold water, drain on towels until you assemble the crudités.
Asparagus: wash and break off stem ends, boil for 3 – 5 minutes, cool, cut in half
Broccoli: wash and cut into individual branches, blanch for 3 minutes
Brussels sprouts: remove outer leaves, wash and boil for 8 minutes
Snow peas, trim off ends and remove strings, blanch for 30 seconds
  • Wash and cut the following vegetables into bite-size servings:
Mini carrots, mushrooms, cucumbers, celery, bell pepper

IRISH SODA BREAD

This mild-tasting bread is delicious with butter and jam.
      
        Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with          foil, lightly butter and set aside.
        Sift together
3 ½ C all-purpose flour + extra for rolling out the dough
2 TBSP sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
        Make a crater in the center, add
1 C buttermilk
¾ C cream
        Using your fingers or a large fork, stir the dough until it           just holds together. Add
½ C dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
       Flour the work surface and gently mold the dough into a          6 inch round loaf. Dust the bread with flour and cut a              cross into the top, place on the baking pan. Bake for 42          – 45 minutes until hollow-sounding when tapped.                    Remove from pan, serve immediately with butter and              strawberry or blueberry jam.

Glazed Corned Beef                      Pam McMurtry Designs

And here is the recipe I promised for our favorite mustard and brown sugar-glazed corned beef:

GLAZED CORNED BEEF

            Preheat oven to 350.
            Place fat side up in a baking pan
1 corned beef brisket, rinsed.
            Cover with foil, bake for 2 1/2 hours or until fork-                     tender. Drain, score meat with a knife, stud with
whole cloves
            Baste with
ginger ale
            Brush on glaze, return to oven and bake for 30 – 40                 minutes uncovered.
            Let cool for 15 minutes and slice across the grain.

GLAZE          
            
1/2 C prepared mustard

1/2 C + 2 TBSP brown sugar

GREEN FANTASY JELLO

            Pour into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish
2 C boiling water
            Stir in until dissolved
1 large lime jello 
            Add
2 C cold water
            Refrigerate until partially set, then stir in           
1 can crushed pineapple, drained. Refrigerate until firm.
            Fold together and spread over jello
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
7 oz. marshmallow creme
            Refrigerate at least one hour, top with whipped                       cream, sprinkle with green sugar crystals
            Serve on a
curly green lettuce leaf



Welcome Spring!                           Pam McMurtry Designs


To help set the mood for a fun and silly evening here are my favorite Irish-themed movies:

Darby O’Gill and the Little People: When aging Darby O’Gill is facing an unwanted retirement, the king of the leprechauns steps in to help him out of his dilemma. Worth watching to check out Sean Connery in his youthful splendor. This Disney film is great family entertainment but the scary banshee could be a bit intense for your little people. https://www.vidangel.com/

The Secret of Roan Inish: Young Fiona is mourning the loss of her mother, baby brother and island home when she hears rumors that the seals are looking after him until her family returns. Beautifully filmed, especially the scenes on the island of Roan Inish.  https://www.vidangel.com/

Waking Ned Divine: A winning lottery ticket means a change of fortune for one lucky townsperson; if he can get a little help from his friends. Adult themes and a naked tush shot make this a movie for older teens or adults. 

Magical Legend of the Leprechauns: A charming Gaelic interpretation of Romeo and Juliet with Whoopie Goldberg reigning in the little people and 2 love stories. Amazon.com

                  My daughter Heather Touchet’s art!

Here’s a story about St. Patrick – did you know his color was blue?



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Recently published articles and projects

This is my recently published intellectual property. While trying to determine why nurturing the body and soul are important themes in my work, I heard an Arbinger Institute speaker describe a pyramid of influence in professional and personal relationships. The foundation of each included strengthening relationships before launching corrective measures; which in my mind means nurturing and building by nourishing and delighting the senses. My work has a two-fold mission; we can also promote tolerance and respect by encouraging cultural diversity and awareness and one of the most pleasant times to do this is at holidays.

Many of the news sites are listed by both their title and online address – I’ll make it uniform soon, I apologize and hope it is not too confusing. I have contributed to content by other authors, here is a partial list of websites:

American Airlines Magazine, AZCentral.com, BYU SiriusXM Radio 143, Chicago Tribune, The Daily Meal,The Deseret News, The Long Island Pulse, eHow.com, FamilyShare.com, The Guardian (U.K.), KSL.com, McClatchy News Service, Schurz News Service, Mint.com/blog, Natural Awakenings magazine, nobullying.com (Ireland), Yahoo.com and others.

      17 March 2016

 These 2 simple things help ensure your relationship will last – 23 Feb 2016

FamilyShare, Bedford Times-Mail, NewsOK, Herald Times online, Statesboro Herald, Petoskey News, Daily American, Herald-Mail Media ((Maryland, Pennsylvania and West Virginia), Aberdeen News, Our Town Johnstown, Central Kentucky News, Statesboro Herald, Santa Clarita Valley Signal, Indonesia Post, The Washington Times, Bryan County News, Family How, Coastal Courier, assorted blogs


  • Brighten winter mornings — and your family’s mood — with a tasty blueberry smoothie – 20 Jan 2016
Deseret News Web
  • Shortbread cookies are delectable treat; presentation is key to great gifts – 22 Dec 2015
Deseret News Web (Utah), Santa Clarita Valley Signal (California), NewsOK (Oklahoma), Statesboro Herald (Georgia), Our Town Johnstown (Pennsylvania), Coastal Courier (Georgia), Bryan County News (Georgia), Central Kentucky News, Great Bend Tribune (Kansas), Daily American – Schurz (Pennsylvania), Herald Times online (Indiana), Reporter Times (Indiana), Petoskey News (Michigan), Aberdeen News (South Dakota), Bedford Times Mail (Indiana)

  • The History of Four Christmas Food Traditions – 22 Dec 2015



 Deseret News, NewsOK,  Reporter Times, dailyamerican.com, centralkynews.com,  petoskeynews.com, ourtownjohnstown.com, heraldtimesonline.com, wn.com, travelagents.com, kardashiantoday.com (???), chronicle independent.com (South Carolina), gbtribune.com

  • 5 ideas for creative, economical homemade Christmas gifts – 15 Dec 2015

Deseret News Web,The Signal (Spanish Channel), ourtownjohnstown.com, travelagents.com, dailyamerican.com, NewsOK, aberdeennews.com, heraldtimesonline, centralkynews, petoskeynews.com, particlenews.com, heraldmailmedia.com 

  • Spice up your holiday gift-giving with Krisp Kringle – 08 Dec 2015
Deseret News Web, aberdeennews.com, heraldmailmedia.com, signalscv.com, signalscv.com, heraldtimesonline.com, newsok.com, ourtownjohnstown.com, petowskeynews.com, dailyamerican.com, bryancountynews.com, gbtribune.com, coastalcourier.com, centralkynews.com, HighBeam Research 

  • Using fall flavors of caramel, apples and cranberry – 03 Nov 2015

Deseret News Web, NewsOK, aberdeennews.com, travelagents.com, The News Journal Search – Nigeria edition, heraldtimesonline.com, gbtribune.com, bryancountynews.com, Imperial Valley Press online (California) statesboroherald.com, signalscv.com, dailyamerican.com


  • Upcycle Halloween candy into mouth-watering desserts – 27 Oct 2015
NewsOK (syndication),Bloomington Herald Times Online, Our Town Johnstown, Deseret News, SCVS, Imperial Valley Press online, travelagents.com, Chronicle Independent, Coastal Courier, GB Tribune, Bryan County News, Central Kentucky News, Aberdeen News.com, petoskeynews.com, reportertimes.com, signalscv.com, dailyamerican.com, heraldmailmedia.com, Upcycling Gazette (Italian)
  • Felice Halloween: Handmade pizza and Italian treats for your Halloween festivities – 20 Oct 2015


 Deseret News Web, DNS (English channel www), DNS (Spanish Channel),NewsOK (syndication),The Signal (Spanish Channel), DNS (Portuguese Channel,  IVPress online, Herald Times online, TMnews (Indiana), World News EIN, Our Town Johnstown.com, Newsfeed Daily

  • Ideas for a delightful late-summer picnic – 25 Aug 2015
Deseret News Web, site.co.uk (United Kingdom)
  • Butterscotch nests with personalized eggs are delightful Easter treats – 31 Mar 2015

Deseret News Web,NewsOK (syndication),DNS (English channel 2), SCV Signal, dailyamerican.com, aberdeenpress.com, ivpressonline.com, heraldtimesonline.com, ourtownjohnstown.com, coastalcourier.com

  • Festive foods for St. Patrick’s Day – 10 Mar 2015 


 Deseret News, NewsOK (syndication), Bloomington Herald Times Online, Reporter Times, Bedford Times-Mail, Hagerstown Herald Mail Media, Petoskey News, Aberdeen News, Our Town Johnstown, SCV Signal, Coastal Courier, Statesboro Herald, Bryan County News, Deseret News Service (syndication)


  • A Greek-style pizza pie for Pi Day – 10 Mar 2015
Deseret News, NewsOK (syndication), Bloomington Herald Times Online, Reporter Times,  Bedford Times-Mail, Aberdeen News, Herald Mail Media, SCV Signal, IV Press online, Statesboro Herald, Coastal Courier
  • A dish to help celebrate Chinese New Year – 17 Feb 2015 


 Deseret News, NewsOK (syndication), Bedford Times-Mail, Coastal Courier, Bryan County News, Statesboro Herald, Daily American
Additional articles are available upon request.