Now, finally, we are officially in the fall. Halloween is a big deal around here and we are celebrating the cooler, beautiful weather with a price drop! Knowing things have been tough for a while, McMurtry Creative Media wants to help you out. We just dropped the price of A Harvest and Halloween Handbook II eBook on Amazon. We were at the bookstore the other day, checking out holiday magazines. Not only where there not many selections but honestly, they were not as cool and packed with fun as this eBook (and the others cost more.) Yes, I know I’m biased but I have a B.F.A. so I know good art when I see it 😉 There are dozens of party plans, DIY recipes, decor, activities, costume ideas, and everything you need to have a happy Halloween. Grab your copy today and enjoy a stroll through Halloween fun and adventure.
My Pinterest pins are buzzing with over 79,000 views in the last 30 days. And I’ve been busy adding decor to McMurtry Manor, here are a few new things and some golden oldies. These are my top pins on Pinterest right now, I’ll adjust as you let me know what you want to see.
Happy Halloween!
Coming in hot at #1 is this guy sitting on my desk, I thought he might be a cute model for Inktober. I love it too! 2087 friends have looked at it in the last 30 days.
“McMurtry Manor” is a seasonal favorite and is showing up with 2031 views.
At #3 are lunchbox jokes @ 1611 views. October is the perfect time to get all silly and send funny thoughts in your kiddos’ lunches.
And 1,817 friends have viewed this festive vintage trick or treat bag.
In fifth place with 1,477 views is “Spot.”
Here are a couple of new projects going on at the manor. We moved in about a year ago and I haven’t gotten to all the finishing touches yet. I am planning a gallery wall but for now our family photos are resting on this mantle. I’m thinking of changing out the frame on the family portrait and adding a few Halloween touches – will update!
I don’t know why, but for a while I’ve been wanting to dress up this metal form for Halloween – that creative spirit I guess. She’s in the garage waiting ’til we get a little closer to Halloween for her debut.
Batty started Halloween as a Dollar Store bat and got a reboot with black gauze, frayed-edge satin ribbon and button eyes.
This bat ended up on the fireplace. There are 6 of them in the house.
The Silly Old Cats came in from the cold and are snuggled on a rag garland.
In Wonderland, the crazy tea party is underway. I love how Halloween is a holiday free from the constraints of things like good taste!
Don’t forget – everything you need to create a DIY happy Halloween is at your fingertips in A Harvest and Halloween Handbook Second Edition. Download yours today; if you don’t have a Kindle, no worries, there’s a free app in your app store that you can add to your favorite device.
Autumn and Halloween are fun times to get creative and crafty. Here are a few favorite quick and inexpensive ways to help you jumpstart your creativity! They are all included in my A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2, available on Amazon.
Paper fans and cut outs
Instead of carving a pumpkin, paint one!
Host a Wonderland Tea Party using mismatched fun stuff!
Button bouquet made with buttons, wire and glue
Grab a stick of charcoal and piece of paper and create a monochromatic sketch for your Halloween decor. By eliminating color, you focus on the value (light and dark) qualities making it simpler to learn drawing techniques.
Create costumes using inexpensive material and clothing you already own.
Rag garlands are a fun way to add color and texture to your decorating. You can buy fabric, use up your stash or even cut up old tablecloths, costumes and decor. Cut or tear strips and tie to a rope or heavy twine.
Turn thrift store treasures into autumn decor and party games like this Halloween-themed fairy doll house that can be used to hold the prized from a scavenger hunt.
Haunted farmhouse beanbag game, using recycled boxes and cans – it’s super inexpensive and fun to make!
Showcase past Halloweens by creating a family tree, made from gathered branches, fall leaves and photo ornaments that you create with scrapbook paper and copies of favorite photos.
No need to wait until Christmas to enjoy your family heritage foods. Here we highlight our Scottish roots with a Macbeth-style feast. No I didn’t attempt haggis for this, no one makes it like Scottish chefs!
Do something nice for neighbors or the community. These treats were sent to deployed soldiers (some of which were probably trick-or-treating just a few Halloweens previously.)
Silly old cats can be used for a beanbag knock off game, placed in a basket or as shelf sitters keeping an eye on things. The first set of cats I made were all black. I like the variety here.
Add lunch box jokes for your littles!
Don’t forget healthy treats – these Cuties make great snacks, party food and trick or treat handouts.
And here are a few ways I’ve used my Halloween stash to decorate my house this year. When we moved to Missouri last autumn, I gave my daughter Heather a carful of Halloween decor to take back to California. I have a bigger house and less stuff now so I’m stretching…
I’ve had this cloche for 15 years (how is that possible?) This Halloween it’s outfitted with the cutest resin Jack in a nest surrounded by ceramic balls with old type letters. A black bow adds a fun finish.
This autumn fireplace mantelscape features one of my art school studio paintings, thrifted iron candlesticks and lots of saved foliage, some of it over 25 years old!
I love this funky collage in a metal basket hanging in the ladies’ room. The garland was from Michael’s and the plaque was from Hobby Lobby when they used to sell Halloween things 😉
Another centerpiece with a folk art figure and vintage-style candles with pumpkins, eucalyptus and dried botanicals. When real pumpkins hit the market, the faux ones will get swapped out.
An Americana crow perches on the primitive pumpkin. They are a fun contrast to the more formal beaded table scarf on our new coffee table.
This wreath is made of old garlands attached to a wire frame and adorned with ornaments, thrift store stars and picks
The entertainment center got some repurposed fall foliage.
A basket of autumn enhances the fireplace. I might add Halloween items, but maybe not – this can stay just the way it is until Thanksgiving.
Here’s another metal basket made into a crazy collage with a retro pumpkin and doll house things.
An old urn is the base for this decor which can’t be outside – rain will melt it! It’s a work in progress…
My favorite Christmas wreath got a gothic makeover with this glittery spiky garland, complete with bats and spiders. It reminds me of an old church grave yard.
A Christmas pencil tree does double duty as a display for autumn and Halloween things.
Remember to download your A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2 from Amazon and enjoy the amazing recipes, fun Halloween activities and autumn celebrations – all while saving money and letting your creative spirit soar!
I am so excited to announce the near completion of my new book! I’m tying up a few loose ends to have it ready for publication soon. Stay tuned for updates for Create a Christ-Centered Christmas; a Christmas Handbook by Pamela Layton McMurtry.
As the weather begins to cool ever so slightly here in the Midwest and pumpkin spice products are beginning to fill the shelves of stores everywhere, I want to remind you that A Harvest and Halloween Handbook Second Edition is ready to download any time you want it.
Like a party in a book, A Harvest and Halloween Handbook 2 will make you giddy with inspiration – there are great recipes to try, games and activities for your family and friends and wonderful ways to show gratitude for the blessings of the harvest and the beauty of autumn. Sidestep the macabre and enjoy the fall season with warmth and celebration.
Host an evening in a Sukkah for Feast of the Tabernacles/Sukkot, or if you’re not Jewish, build a beautiful structure to enjoy balmy autumn evenings (before it gets too cold!)
Enjoy a Wonderland tea party with your family and friends! The upside-down whimsy of Alice’s world provides a perfect spot to land to enjoy the fantasy of fall.
You simply must join us for tea!
After you finish your tea – win a treat at the cake walk!
The giant playing cards are from Hobby Lobby 😉
Or try your hand at tossing beanbags to knock silly old cats off a wall.
Create a bubblegum necklace! Go on a treasure hunt to find treats hidden in a fairytale fantasy Halloween dollhouse.
Create cool costumes using things you already have!
Then play more games!
Before the beauty of autumn fades into the splendor of winter, download your A Harvest and Handbook 2 and have a ball! Or a tea, or a carnival…whatever works for you 🙂
If you visit any retail store or shop online, you know that Halloween merch is already filling the shelves.
Which reminds me to let you know that there’s a whole treasure chest of ideas, recipes, games with inexpensive materials, new themes, and lots of wonderful stuff to entertain you while you entertain your littles. This award-winning eBook shares everything you need to create your happiest Halloween while sidestepping the dark and creepy stuff (no one’s got time for that.) Here’s the link to Amazon and it is also available on BN.com.
Just like a Costco sample, tempting you to buy, here are a few tasty morsels you will find in A Harvest and Halloween Handbook Second Edition:
Isn’t this a fun cover? I took the photo at the Garden Park LDS chapel in Salt Lake City. I’ve hosted lots of autumn and Halloween church carnivals through the years. Having a party at a holy place, to me, means making sure that your activities are appropriate for the venue. Hence the focus on harvest and autumn, while avoiding evil and creepy stuff. We’ve had lots of fun and made sweet memories.
Here’s an inexpensive carnival game made with lumber scraps and stuffed cats. You knock the cats off the fence with beanbags to win a prize.
Here’s another fun and free game. Collect your Halloween containers (or borrow some), toss pennies into them to win treats.
A lollipop ring toss made with pegboard and painting with acrylic paints. Use glow bracelets to ring a lollipop to win it!
A candy jar guessing game – the winners take them home. Use jars you already have or pick up a few at a charity thrift store. Adults can play too!
This festive entry was made with a sheet, a scarecrow, some repurposed decor and lights. Great for photo booths.
How is that for fun? Ready to download your A Harvest and Halloween Handbook yet? Here a few more photos to help you hit that buy button…
An Alice in Wonderland tea party with recipes, decor and games like…
A Treat Walk – sweets for the sweets! Use giant cards from Hobby Lobby or make your own for this musical game.
Pin the tail on the cat…
Buggy croquet and more!
Here’s a fun craft, add a rag border to dress up a throw or a wreath.
Or make a wall hanging quilt out of festive fabric.
You could even repurpose a doll house for a fairy Halloween party, a decoration or a children’s scavenger hunt game.
Here’s a tasty treat – old-fashioned popcorn balls, the recipe is included!
Parley Street in Nauvoo, Illinois marked the beginning terminus of the Trail of Hope and the start of a 1,300 mile (on foot) trek by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to safety in the Rocky Mountains in 1846. Religious persecution and political conflict had led to the untimely assassination of their prophet and leader Joseph Smith Jr.
A barely literate farm boy, Joseph had prayed earnestly to know which of the Christian churches was the true one established by Jesus Christ during His mortal ministry. To his astonishment, in 1820 Joseph experienced a divine visit from both The Father and The Son, who explained that all of the sects of the day had strayed from the original and true Church.
In time Joseph would be taught how to restore and organize Christ’s church and kingdom on the earth. Over the succeeding years, Joseph was visited by angels and resurrected beings who instructed him and gave him the keys and authority to restore the priesthood, the power of God, to the earth once again. In 1830, after having translated an ancient American historical record from gold plates buried in the hillside in New York, The Book of Mormon, named for the ancient American prophet, was printed and available to read. This history was a compilation of almost 1,000 years of the story of a branch of the House of Israel, one who had been led away from Jerusalem just before it fell in the days of King Zedekiah.
Mormon’s son Moroni had been tasked with keeping the record safe just before his people were wiped out in a genocide in the 4th Century. The resurrected Moroni, also known as the Guardian Angel of the Americas, visited Joseph many times giving him instruction and guidance in preparation for restoring God’s church and priesthood to the earth before Christ’s second coming.
In the 19th Century, the Church of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth along with the divine keys of the priesthood and the power and authority to gather Israel before Christ’s Second Coming. The reconstructed town of Nauvoo, Illinois gives a powerful lesson about obedience, temerity, loyalty and reliance on the Lord through good times and bad. The beautifully rebuilt Nauvoo Temple stands as a witness to the reality of eternal families and shows the love of God by a band of refugees that had not reached the end of the trail of discipleship but only the beginning. Next, our family’s history and experience in Nauvoo.
Freedom is one the great hallmarks of the United States of America. Our founding fathers worked hard to create a government that supports free speech, freedom of religion, thought, philosophy, the ability to own property, to move through society without meeting the requirement of a monarch or overlord. Our Constitution protects us and allows for personal and cultural growth and change.
Our grandparents, sons, fathers, daughters, mothers, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters have sacrificed for the cause and idea of freedom. I am visiting a friend and her family on this special day so I am going to share one of my favorite stories from a post 10 years ago that illustrates the principle of freedom.
Elizabeth Duncan Porter: Heroine of the American Revolution
Elizabeth was born to Thomas and Elizabeth Duncan at Lancaster Pennsylvania in 1750. The Duncans were born in Scotland, moved to Ireland and then to the British colonies in America. They settled in Lancaster, which is known in modern times for the Amish community and lush green farms and hillsides.
Elizabeth enjoyed growing up in the beautiful countryside of Pennsylvania. In the spring she played with the lambs and picked flowers. But childhood ended early for Elizabeth; her father died when she was six years old and her help was needed for the family. She grew to be a strong and lovely woman.
At twenty-five she met a man who would sweep her off her feet ; she married her beloved Samuel Porter. As a member of the Virginia militia, Samuel was one of the men responsible for patrolling the roads and trails to keep travelers safe from Indian raids. The British had enlisted the Indians to attack settlers on the western frontiers of the colonies.
The winds of war began to blow across America.
Samuel, Elizabeth, their two children, her mother, brother and other family members were captured by Indians in 1780. It is thought that British soldiers were with them because they were not scalped. The attackers took all of their stock and possessions.
They were marched and carried over 600 miles to Detroit. Elizabeth had to work hard to keep her little children quiet so they would not be killed by their captors. She was pregnant with her third child. Sometimes she was permitted to ride, she sat with her feet in water for hours and hours. Samuel was sentenced to die. The men were placed in stockades and pens and nearly starved to death.
Elizabeth was put to work cooking for the British officers. After preparing a meal, she saved scraps of bread and meat and smuggled them out in the dishwater. She placed the tub of water near Samuel’s prison. He was able to reach through the bars and get the food. Her act of courage probably kept him alive.
Elizabeth, her children Margaret and Hugh and her mother were marched as a prisoners of war another 700 miles from Detroit to Quebec, Canada.
On January 7th, in the bitter cold of a winter that would become known as the “little Ice Age,” far from her home, Elizabeth gave birth to baby Samuel. She was a captive of the British and Shawnee Indians because she believed in freedom.
Her husband Samuel suffered as well in the confinement of the prison camp. 8 of 10 American prisoners died in the hulls of British warships. He did not know what had become of Elizabeth, their baby or the other two young children.
Many people sacrificed much for the cause of independence. Some sacrificed everything.
Elizabeth took care of baby Samuel and little Margaret and Hugh the best she could. She sang to them the Celtic lullabies her mother had sung to her.
She told them the Bible stories she had learned as a child. Tales of Moses leading Israel to freedom; of brave Joseph and how Daniel’s life was spared.
She would have loved to have been home when Spring came. She would have loved to have worked in her garden with her children and enjoyed outings with her friends. Because the cause of freedom had meant so much to Elizabeth and Samuel; she had no home to return to.
Samuel was a hard worker and tried to be helpful. His execution was stayed by a British commander who took a liking to him.
The price of independence was very high. When the war ended and freedom was won, Elizabeth, Samuel and the others were released and made their way back to Virginia and to each other.
Samuel’s trials did not end with the war. An American officer accused him of treason because the British did not execute him. Tried again, he was cleared of wrongdoing. Elizabeth and Samuel had three more children. Their lives were filled with joy and sorrow and their sacrifice blessed their family for generations.
Elizabeth lived 95 years. She died and was buried in Jackson County, Missouri where a marker and plaque were placed to honor the memory of this heroine of the American Revolutionary War. Elizabeth’s legacy is celebrated today by the Daughters of the American Revolution organization with chapters that have been named for her.
During Elizabeth’s lifetime, the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Revolutionary War fought, the Constitution was written and ratified, Joseph Smith was born, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized and Joseph Smith was martyred. It was a most important era in the history of the world.
On this Fourth of July, we remember and give thanks for the concepts, the sacrifices and the blessings we have enjoyed because of those who had the foresight to create this amazing country.
I wish I could say happy Father’s Day but the happiest thing about this one is that my sister’s husband, with whom I sat in hospice the past 3 days, died yesterday instead of today, Father’s Day. He and my sister shared a deep and eternal love, her children adored him and he loved them like his own. Considerate to the end, he was an amazing man, loved by many; he will be sorely missed.
He was always the first to rise, to take the bill, to open the car door for ladies and to make sure everyone had what they needed to be comfortable. He worked in construction, and with a sense of style and a fastidious laser focus attention to detail; built multi-million dollar mansions on the beaches of Corona Del Mar, California. He had the most extensive collection of tape measures. His favorite sound was a Harley engine and although he worked in a tough industry, he cleaned up very well.
He loved my sister and her children and was, in every way, a treasured part of our family. Quiet and unassuming, every activity or get-together he attended was better because he was there. He was at my mother’s side when she passed away two years ago. Best brother-in-law ever. Alzheimer’s took his memory but his huge heart beat strong until the very end. I am devastated. Fly high Davey, it has been a privilege to have had you in our world.
I was talking with a friend from church about the ups and downs of family life. We talked about our joys and regrets and our Bishop’s statement in Sacrament Meeting about the Savior. He said that if we were to meet Jesus today, He would look into our eyes with perfect love and hug us and take away any pain, sorrow from the past, all our regrets and as they left, we would feel His perfect love. I thought about that and wondered how often we hold onto past hurts when we really could just let them go and replace them with the perfect charity or love of the Savior.
I reminded my friend that even when parents get it wrong (which we do with enough frequency to be truly regrettable,) that all can be healed by the Savior. Family life is messy as we all know, but when it comes down to it, the love we share as families is the most sustaining, eternal and affirming love there is, next to perfect Godly love.
I suggested going home and listing a few of the positive things from our growing up years. The normal days filled with things we don’t think much about like nutritious meals, shared scriptures and stories, clean clothes, a safe place to sleep. The toys and trips that made our lives interesting as children. The positive interactions with extended family.
A few years ago I was in art classes, thinking about the time and energy it takes to rear a family. I did a little math and came up with the following statistics ( please forgive me if you have seen this before). The following is an art installation I created that lists just a few of the things Moms (and Dads) do for their children.
175,200 HOURS
175,200 is the number of hours parents are on duty for the first 20 years of a child’s life. They are responsible for 21,900 meals and 52,000 pieces of clean clothing and accoutrements, plus 6,378.5 diapers. A parent will offer 51,100 prayers for a child, send them to 2,340 days of K-12 education and spend approximately $241,080.00 to rear each child. And this doesn’t include trips to the dentist, cheering at sports games, trips to the library, feeding their friends, late night trips to Walmart, Office Depot or Target for supplies for a presentation TOMORROW, rides to work, insurance, college or other training, waiting up for them to come home from dates, trying to do be a better parent, reading books, taking parenting classes, listening…
There are over half a million reasons to call home on Mother’s Day.
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.”
by Margaret Florence Smith
Happy Mother’s Day to
Mother,
Grandmother,
Aunt,
Sister 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
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.
I love you.
Thank you. I cannot say enough about how grateful I am for my Mom
and the wonderful women I have had in my life. I love you all.
Try writing a few things that are meaningful to you about your Mom and the good things that came into your life because of her. Print them off and look at them on off days. If you’d like, leave some in the comments, I’d love to hear about your own precious Mom.
It has been an interesting few weeks. Recently, we returned home from welcoming our granddaughter back from her LDS mission in California. Most of our family was able to come to spend time with Ashley as she adjusted to civilian life. We then spent a few days with daughter Laurel and Easter week with our other daughter Heather before heading back to Missouri so Newell could join his family in Ohio to witness the totality of the solar eclipse on April 8.
Photo by NASA
The weekend after Easter we fed our spirits and minds by watching the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Serendipitously timed like the gatherings of ancient Israel for the Feasts of The Passover and Tabernacles, if you have not experienced the peace, timeless wisdom and heavenly advice that watching conference brings, I invite you to click the link above. Then prepare to be enlightened, stretched and challenged by the words spoken by the prophets of these latter days.
A new Apostle, Patrick Kearon from the United Kingdom, gave a message that “God’s intent is to bring you home.” It was particularly interesting; if you have any questions about whether Heaven knows you and cares for your life and eternal existence, please listen to this message.
A few days after Newell returned from Ohio with his mother, we were hosting our writer’s group and I served this delicious apple cake to our friends. Then 4 days later, we were ready to head to the Kansas City zoo for an outing. When we opened the garage to leave, it was raining too hard to drive safely. Minutes later the dreaded wail of a tornado siren rent the air. This was our first daytime tornado warning. Sheltering in place seemed like the best option, so we gathered in the lowest level of the house, away from windows. After a while the blaring stopped… momentarily.
Then another siren wailed. I am grateful for the warning but not the reason behind it. We prayed that if it was God’s will, our house and the homes of our friends and neighbors would be spared. And then we waited. eventually the siren quieted and we decided, not knowing how likely it was for another storm to pop up, that it would be safer to stay home for the rest of the day.
Some good came of this experience. We will improve our emergency prep so it is more organized and more accessible for a quick get-away if needed. We learned that a Level 1 tornado had formed near the Smithville Lake and there had been property damage but no injury to humans. Latter-day revelations known as the “Doctrine and Covenants, tell us in section 88:
119 aOrganize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a bhouse, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
120 That your aincomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with buplifted hands unto the Most High.
I read recently that the practice of holding our hands up in worship in Christian churches is much like a child, lifting their hands to their father to pick them up and securely hold them. When nature is in commotion and you realize you are helpless to do anything more, humbly asking your Father in Heaven for assistance is a good idea. He answered our requests for safety, for which we are grateful.
We have been warned to prepare in these last days for wars, severe weather, famine and pestilence. People ask, why would God allow this? throughout history He has used natural elements to teach and correct His beloved children. We also know that it is in the absence of God that these things can occur. Keeping the 10 Commandments gives us protection from the evil and chaos that are constantly around us.
I read a discussion lately about the darkness that covered the earth as Christ was left alone in his dying moments on the cross. Many people believe that His taking upon Himself the sins of the world, caused His Father to withdraw His presence. God cannot have the slightest bit of sin in His Presence.
Painting by Heinrich Hoffman
By undergoing the weight of the sin, brutality and depravity of the all people from the beginning of time to the end, Christ literally descended into Hell and opened the gates to free all of us if we would turn to Him and repent. For this act of charity He was known as the Lamb of God. The Sacrificial Being from whom justice demanded every farthing so mercy could claim us.
As you ponder the meaning of the signs in the skies, eclipses, blood moons, falling stars and disasters, please take time to prepare yourself for the “Great Day of the Lord” that has been promised since the beginning of mankind on the earth. Natural disasters have increased since the Civil War as was prophesied in Doctrine and Covenants 87. It’s not man-made climate change, these are warnings and invitations to get our houses in order. Don’t delay. Click here to get contact information to meet with LDS missionaries to learn more.
Here’s a happy thought and idea for sharing charity with others. When we returned from our travels, I wrapped up the photography for my Christmas book; the last project was to create a “baby shower” with the theme of little lambs. It is said that when Christ was born and placed in a manger, that it was probably made of stone, a vessel used by priests to place newborn sacrificial lambs in to protect them from blemishes, scars and other imperfections and injuries.
For the lambie baby shower, I suggested inviting guests to bring infant gifts that could be given to shelters or families in need. These days a trend is to give diapers to mothers or cash to help with expenses. This shower could be done at Christmastime, Eastertime or for any gathering of disciples. I also made an apple cake with cream cheese frosting that is a popular Jewish recipe, you’ll find it below. Be of good cheer, do your best to prepare, then watch in wonder and awe at the events that unfold to usher in 1,000 years of peace and knowledge and all anchored in the presence of Jesus the Christ.
Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, stir together
¼ C butter melted
¼ C applesauce
2 large eggs
1 ¾ C sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
In another bowl, stir together then add to creamed ingredients
1 C whole wheat flour
1 C all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
1 ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Add
4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced into small pieces
1 C pecans or walnuts, chopped
Spread evenly in a 9” x 13” pan or two 8” rounds which have been greased and lined with parchment. Bake the 9” x 13” cake at 350° for 45 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Bake the 2 rounds for 35 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. If you used the rounds, run a knife around the inside of the rims and carefully remove. Spread with Cream Cheese Frosting; sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat with an electric mixer until smooth
12 oz. Neufchatel cheese
6 TBSP (3/4 stick) butter, softened
3 tsp vanilla
Pinch of salt
1 1/2 pounds of powdered sugar
Add
½ C chopped nuts (optional)
Spread on cooled cake. Swirl curly designs in the frosting to make it look like lamb’s wool.
This recipe quickly became a favorite, we will enjoy it again. I hope you’ll try it too.
As Easter once again approaches, I’d like to share a few thoughts about our need for a Savior.
We have been taught by ancient and modern prophets about our purpose on earth, we are here to prepare to meet God and with Him enjoy eternal life. Do we always get everything right? Never make a mistake? Not me, I’ve made my share and then some but in the Doctrine and Covenants section 64, starting in verse 2, the Lord tells us,” For verily I say unto you, I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore I will have compassion on you.”
In verse 7, “…I say unto you, I the Lord forgive sins unto those who confess their sins before me and ask forgiveness, who have not sinned unto death.”
Verse 13, And this ye shall do that God may be glorified—not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your lawgiver.
Verse 23: “Behold, now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.
At Easter, we think about the perfect example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We want to be pure before Him and as the time of His prophesied Second Coming draws closer, it is wise for us to prepare by forgiving and working a little harder to be good Christians.
Christ, who had the power to overcome death and the grave, promises to be with us and help us through these difficult times. He is always true to His word, whether He offers a blessing or pronounces a curse because of our actions. This Easter, let us think about ways to become more Christlike and forgiving, even as He forgives us.
It’s interesting to think that for almost 2,000 years our ancestors looked to the Savior for comfort and protection. But when the priesthood was taken from the Earth, probably around the 4th Century A.D., men turned to superstition and other devices hoping for help. But shortly after America was founded and the Constitution guaranteeing and protecting freedom of religion ratified, the heavens once again opened.
John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood through the young prophet Joseph Smith on May 15, 1829. Later Peter, James and John transferred the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood and Elijah gave the Sealing Power in the first temple of this dispensation on April 3, 1836 after the dedication. Once again, man on earth had access to the help and powers of heaven; to heal, to baptize, to remit sin, to gather Israel, seal families together for eternity and confer the guidance and companionship of the Holy Ghost.
It is my privilege and responsibility to share these critical pedagogies at this time.
My family loves Easter and its attendant traditions; but the true power and majesty comes from the knowledge that Jesus Christ through His Divine power and Sonship overcame death and was resurrected, and we can have the same experience through Him. I’m grateful to be part of a forever family, to have a continued relationship beyond the grave with the people who mean the most to me. I love my Savior and encourage you to come unto Him and help others to also.
Happy Easter.
Here are a few of our favorite traditions, I’ve posted them before but its fun to revisit these especially if you have children.
Easter and Passover
Please take a few minutes to watch this inspirational video about Jesus Christ and see how He can change your life:
EASTER STORY EGGS
This sweet little activity teaches small children about the miracle of Easter. A basket is filled with colored plastic Easter eggs containing scripture verses and objects that represent Christ’s experience.
You will need
12 medium to large plastic Easter eggs that open and the objects below.
With a fine point permanent marker write the numbers 1 – 12 on the ends of the plastic eggs. Copy and cut apart the scriptures of the Easter story and place in the numbered eggs with the following:
1. A small cup or wooden thimble (from craft store)
2. Three dimes
3. A 4″ piece of twine
4. A small piece of soap
5. A small robe cut from red felt
6. A small wooden cross or brown card stock cross
7. Two dice
8. A small square of white fabric torn almost in half
9. A square of white fabric
10. A small stone
11. A few cloves, a piece of cinnamon stick, bay leaf
12. Nothing – this represents the empty tomb
Have the children open the eggs in order to read the Easter story above. Print it and cut it into strips to add to the eggs.
BUTTERSCOTCH BIRD NESTS WITH PERSONALIZED EGGS
Melt in a large saucepan
12 oz butterscotch chips
Add and stir until blended
1 C peanut butter
Fold in
10 – 12 oz. chow mein noodles
Drop by large spoonfuls onto wax paper, shape into nests. Using a food marker pen, write names on
large candy-coated malted eggs
Place in nest with a few jellybeans. Yields 15 small nests.
FUN EASTER BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
The Country Bunny and The Little Gold Shoes by DuBose Heyward
A sweet mother rabbit wants to be an Easter Bunny. She can do it with her family’s cooperation, but needs a little more help to take a special treat to a child in need.
Max’s Chocolate Chicken by Rosemary Wells
Ruby teaches Max the intricate finesse of Easter egg hunting.
Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells
Ruby and Max shop for a present for Grandma.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
The classic adventure of a mischievous Peter Rabbit in Mr. McGregor’s garden.
Your local book store and online book sellers have lots of beautifully illustrated sacred and secular Easter books.
Easy-to-make Easter Gift
Is the Easter Bunny at your house looking for easy inexpensive gifts to fill the baskets? Here’s a cute and easy project:
You will need: 2 twelve inch scrapbook papers 2 plain white 8.5″ x 11″ papers for each booklet miniature colored pencils (shown from Michael’s Crafts) gluestick or glue grommets, punch and setter or sewing machine twine or ribbon
Attach the scrapbook papers together with right sides out using the adhesive.
Cut into 4″ x 12″ strips. Decide which will be the outside, lay the paper with the outside down. Fold 2” of the bottom edge up toward the center and crease. Punch holes and use grommets in the corners or stitch to make a pocket.
Bring the top edge down to the bottom fold and crease the center, it should be 5″‘ x 4″ . Set aside the cover.
Fold the white paper lengthwise into 4.25″ x 11″. Cut into three strips 4.25″ x 3.66″ Stack the six sheets and punch holes on the crease, about an inch in from each edge.
Lay the white papers on the cover, center them and punch matching holes in the cover. Tie together with twine or ribbon.
Tuck pencils into pocket and give to darling little people.
EASTER CELEBRATIONS WITH CHILDREN
EASTER EGG HUNT
One of the highlights of spring for children! They enjoy decorating eggs for the Easter Bunny to hide. At some houses the bunny hides the basket too. We have our hunt on Saturday to focus on the Savior on the Sabbath. There are all sorts of yummy candies on the market for Easter. If you want to cut the sugar; dried fruit, nuts, small crackers and natural treats are a good alternative. And money – kids like money.
DYING EGGS
For perfect hard-boiled eggs:
Allow the eggs to come to room temperature
Place eggs in a single layer in a pot
Add cold water to two inches above eggs
Set stove on high heat, boil one minute, cover, turn off heat and let sit for 15 – 20 minutes. Remove one egg, run it under cool water and peel to test for doneness.
Pour off cooking water; cover eggs with cool water.
Drain and store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
TO COLOR BOILED EGGS
An easy, inexpensive dye can be made from food coloring, water and white vinegar.
For each pot of dye place in a container (the taller and narrower the better)
1 C warm water
1 TBSP white vinegar
a few drops of food coloring
Place colored eggs in cardboard egg cartons to dry. For variations: draw on dry eggs with markers, add stickers and stars.
FOR MARBLEIZED EGGS
Dye eggs using the above method.
Place 1/2″ to 3/4″ of a dye mixture in the bottom of a shallow bowl. Start with 1 teaspoon, and add 1 to 3 teaspoons of canola, olive or vegetable oil to the dye. The base color will show through more with a larger amount of oil Gently place an egg in the bowl. Use a fork or spoon to drizzle a few drops of dye over the egg to make a marbleized effect. Food coloring dyes the egg quickly. Using more oil in the dye bath will keep it from seeping into the egg too fast. Remove egg, place on a paper towel to dry. Wipe egg carefully. Avoid contact with furniture or other fabric.
Bunny bait – entice the Easter bunny with cookies!
1 1/2 C all-purpose flour 1 C whole wheat flour 2 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
Stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a smooth dough is formed. Add 1 – 2 tsp water if necessary. Wrap and refrigerate at least one hour. Roll out fough on floured surface to 1/2 ” thick. Cut with cookie cutters, place on lightly-greased cookie sheets. bake at 400 6- 8 minutes, until golden around the edges. Cool on pan 5 minutes, then remove to a cookie rack. Frost with Lemon Buttercream Frosting.
Lemon Buttercream Frosting
Cream together
1 C butter, softened 1 tsp lemon flavoring
Mix in
1 lb. powdered sugar 2 – 3 tBSP milk
Divide and add food coloring as desired (we used neon for the cookies in the photo). These are so delicious and can be baked ahead and frozen.
EASTER BASKET GOODIES
GIVE THE EASTER BUNNY THE HEADS UP ON THINGS YOUR CHILDREN ENJOY!
Glow-in-the-dark Silly Putty Eggs or scented putty in tins
Handmade bunnies, pompom chicks and ducks
German paper mache eggs containing small cars, dolls, and animals
Money egg: fold up a $5 or larger bill, put it in a special egg
