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…
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.
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!
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!
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.
During our recent trip to Missouri, we made a visit to Adam-Ondi-Ahman where ancient and modern scriptures say Adam, the first man, three years prior to his death gathered his righteous posterity in this valley to pronounce a blessing upon them. He also prophesied about the Messiah Jesus Christ and about the future of mankind.
In that sacred and silent place, I thought about our first parents Adam and Eve and their time in mortality. The Tree of Life, the cherubim and flaming sword placed there to guard it and keep man from partaking of the fruit and living forever in their sins. The need for a Savior to redeem us.
The valley is configured in a natural amphitheater that allows sound to travel across the area, allowing a large group to hear a speaker.
I thought about Eve and wondered what she endured to bear children and teach them righteousness and then to lose Cain and Abel. How she must have labored with Adam to provide shelter, food, clothing and the necessities of life. How she must have marveled at the children she bore and nursed and nurtured. What a wonderful woman she must have been to be entrusted with the establishment of the human race. And that through her, we are all related. Happy Mother’s Day Eve and all of her beautiful daughters.
As many of my readers are aware, my own Mother passed away last year, the day before Easter. Without Mom to fuss over, Mother’s Day is difficult. I wrote this poem years ago, thinking of my Mom, Grandmas, aunts, friends and others who have enriched my life. I’m sharing it again to remind all of us of the love, work and time that go into rearing children, supporting our husbands and building church and community.
To Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, friend and precious 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
Spring. The time of rebirth, regrowth, sunshine and flowers. Resurrection, perfect love and reunions.
The Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ is the most important act of love in the history of humankind. The Creator, the only true god in history; He died for His people, not the other way around. May His holy name be praised.
As the major holy day, now holiday, over the centuries, people have added accompaniments, traditions and activities to bring families closer and make memories.
Yes, that is snow you see outside the window. It’s the end of March here in the mountains. It looks like the drought may be old news.
Speaking of Easter decor, the crummy economy is always on parents’ minds. Here’s a suggestion; make a couple of trips to a favorite charity thrift store, Deseret Industries is my go-to. Treasure hunting there yielded this gorgeous hurricane lamp for $3, a Fitz and Floyd candy dish for $1 and a brand new hula skirt ($2), which I cut up to make straw. Look around and see what you can repurpose and use for decorations to save your precious $ this year.
Ducky has been my husband’s rocking toy since he was a toddler – a long time ago. Of course he’s an Easter favorite of mine now too.
Spring in my studio. I made this decoration for the women’s bulletin board at church but it was too heavy. It’s brightening up my studio as we wait for real flowers to bloom. All the flowers were repurposed from other decorations. The basket was from D.I.
Classic German paper mache eggs are an annual Easter decoration. Did you know the legend of the Easter Bunny came to the U.S. from German immigrants in Texas?
On a sad note; this spring I am boycotting Hershey’s Candy company. They hired a faux woman to introduce their “Her” bar on International Women’s Day, I was very unhappy with decision. Women haven’t had this much trouble getting jobs as women since the theater in 16th Century Puritan England, where they too, hired boys for women’s roles. My first cousin, many times removed, William Shakespeare, would understand this throw-back dilemma. Men need to stay in their own lane.
So no Hershey’s for us this year.
Don’t be sad Peter and Flopsie, there is plenty of fun ahead this Easter.
I promised friends I would post some alternative choices for Easter baskets and parties; here are a few ideas to add to your celebration.
Lindt is a go-to at our house, from bunnies, to truffles and assorted treats, even bugs and bees, you can plan for a win with Lindt. They’re very big in Europe.
Speaking of Europe my German-speaking husband who lived there for 3 years came back to the U.S. with a taste for German and Swiss chocolates. Ritter Sports candy bars, available in the candy section of most grocery stores are his favorite.
My friend and co-Grandma Sarah Nash suggested See’s Candies. YES. All of the deliciousness of handmade chocolate in a myriad of flavors. A trip to See’s is de’rigueur. When my sister, brother and I were young, the Easter Bunny used to bring panoramic eggs from See’s.
Butterscotch chips, peanut butter and crunchy chow mein noodles create nests holding malted milk eggs. These fun finger food desserts include edible Easter grass.
Hershey’s may be in the doghouse, but there are lots of yummy Easter basket treats to be had.
Get a bit creative and you might find some new favorites!
You might like to find some of these in your Easter baskets: Jordan almonds, gumballs, Luna bars, Jelly Bellies, M&Ms, Bonne Mamman jams and lemon curd, trail mix, goldfish crackers, mixed nuts, fresh berries, homemade sugar cookies, Easter books, crayons, and mini-sketchbooks.
Unreal(R) coconut bars, Limoncello almonds, Bequet caramels with Celtic sea salt, SweetTart Mini Chewys mini bunny waffle irons, jewelry, old-style Easter figures, mini games, card games, travel games.
A spring scarf, tiny lotions, little framed pictures, greeting cards, handmade pompom bunnies and chicks, new napkins, candles, fresh flowers, things that make your heart happy.
The economy may be in bad shape but Washington’s agenda can’t stop you from making an affordable, fun and festive Easter for your family.
Here are a few ideas.
Plan a tea party, nibble sandwiches, dye eggs and hunt for candy-filled ones.
Just for you: a reduced fat , to-die-for carrot cake recipe:
Carrot Cake Lite
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9” x 13” pan with non-stick vegetable coating, set aside.
1 ½ C. sugar (less if you choose)
2 C. flour
1 C. liquid egg substitute or 4 eggs
1 ¼ C. unsweetened applesauce
¼ C. canola oil
2 TBSP. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 TBSP. vanilla extract
4 C. grated carrots (about 8 medium)
1 C. chopped nuts
2/3 can crushed pineapple, (drained well) – optional
In a large mixing bowl combine all ingredients except carrots, nuts and pineapple. Mix well. Fold in carrots, nuts and pineapple (if desired). Pour batter into prepared pan and bake about 45 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 15 servings.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream together:
8 oz. light cream cheese
4 oz. butter
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 box (1 lb.) powdered sugar
Add:
1 C. shredded coconut
½ C. chopped nuts
Spread over cooled cake. Refrigerate.
Make a pennant with scrapbook papers.
Make notepads for the Easter Bunny to leave in your kiddos baskets.
Tell the story of Christ’s miraculous resurrection and the gift He gave to all of us.
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 little 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. 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
Print the following text, cut into strips and place inside the corresponding numbered egg.You can copy and print the scriptures below by highlighting them, pressing control and “c” on a p.c., or the control icon and “c” on a mac. Then open a new word document and paste in the text with control and “v”.
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; 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 thirty pieces 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 had plaited 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, named Joseph, 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 theangel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. Hiscountenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow…And the 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)
Print this page, cut up and rearrange the squares and glue onto cardstock to play Easter 4-in-a row (like Bingo.) Read the scriptures about Christ’s last week, matching the pictures as you go. The first person to get 4 in a row wins.
I hope you feel the love of our Savior as you celebrate Him this Easter. And have fun with your little bunnies!
If you want more beautiful images, visit my Pinterest Easter board and sign up as a follower!
We are officially retired! (not me – but my husband 😉 For the first time since 1969, he woke up this Monday morning and instead of shaving and hiking through the snow to work, he put on his trunks and headed to the beach. Ah the life.
We are in San Diego this weekend, we came to watch our son’s family perform in a Christmas concert in Del Mar. It was a beautiful evening inviting the spirit of Christmas in a warm and welcoming blaze of light and music. Joined by our best friends Mary and Brad, it was a wonderful evening of holiday cheer.
Grandson Max (upper left) took his shepherd assignment very seriously.
Granddaughter Ella (center) sings her little heart out in the children’s choir.
