Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Strawberry Pie

food,fruits,produce,strawberries,agriculture,harvests

Mmmm, strawberries! One of the best things about early summer are cheap strawberries. And one of the best things to do with strawberries - make strawberry pie. A few weeks ago my friend Mary shared her strawberry pie recipe - which I believe is her husband's Grandma's recipe... But no matter where this recipe came from - it's DELICIOUS!!! My favorite by far - so much so, I've made it three times already and have some more strawberries in the fridge waiting to be turned into this pie.

There are several things I love about it - it's super easy, uses ingredients I already have on hand (don't need to get the strawberry glaze stuff at the store), sets really well, and it tastes amazing!

I admit - I don't have a picture of the actual pie, because they are always gone before I even think about it. :) But here is the recipe:

1 pint strawberries, sliced*
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 c sugar
1 c water
3 tbsp strawberry gelatin
1 graham cracker crust
Mix cornstarch and sugar. Boil with cup of water until thick; add strawberry gelatine and combine. Cool Slightly. Add Strawberries. Pour into Crust and refrigerate. Eat and enjoy!

*I've done it with half a pint too and there are still enough strawberries to satisfy. :)

Monday, June 13, 2011

Father's Day

Hopefully my husband doesn't check my blog post this week. Otherwise I'm letting the cat out of the bag. I've been wanting to make a simple pouch for my husband to protect our GPS unit. Looking online, I'm finding some diy patterns for different bags and totes, but not really anything that I'm looking for. Martha has some cool bags here, plus a gadget travel pouch made from a dish towel. I'll have to try that one sometime. Better yet, maybe I'll help my 8 yr old make that one for Dad for Father's Day. It's simple enough to do. If you have any ideas, or have seen any cool homemade gadget pouches, please leave a comment.

Since Father's Day is fast approaching, I thought I would make the gps bag for our resident Dad. :) I may also make another, larger pouch for my own dad, for his new ipad. Check back to see my progress!

~Lena

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Nursery Singing Time


I am the nursery singing time music leader at church, which means I get to sing songs with kids that are 18 months old to 3 years old. There are two nurseries in my ward and I spend about 20 minutes in each. I absolutely love doing my calling!!! I have so much fun. I love little kids and can't wait until I have some of my own. This is actually the second time I have had this calling. The first time I had it we lived in Wymount. It's fun to decide what cute songs we will sing and what actions and handouts we will do for each song. Here is a picture of the handouts I've made and pass out to the kids along with a list of the songs we sing. I have been planning on redoing some stuff and making a couple more things but haven't gotten around to it yet. Maybe after I finish my prospectus and take my final for spring term :)
I actually don't use the little bird anymore for the song In the Leafy Treetops. I just have the kids flap their arms like wings and then I use the flower for the second verse.

Song List

Track 1: I Am a Child of God

I am a child of God,
And he has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home
With parents kind and dear.

Chorus
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way.
Teach me all that I must do
To live with him someday.

Track 2: Jesus Said Love Everyone

Jesus said love everyone;
Treat them kindly, too.
When your heart is filled with love,
Others will love you.

Track 3: I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I know who I am.
I know God’s plan.
I’ll follow him in faith.
I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I’ll honor his name.
I’ll do what is right;
I’ll follow his light.
His truth I will proclaim.

Track 4: I'm Trying to be Like Jesus

I’m trying to be like Jesus;
I’m following in his ways.
I’m trying to love as he did, in all that I do and say.
At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice,
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers,

Chorus
“Love one another as Jesus loves you.
Try to show kindness in all that you do.
Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought,
For these are the things Jesus taught.”

Track 5: Book of Mormon Stories

Book of Mormon stories that my teacher tells to me
Are about the Lamanites in ancient history.
Long ago their fathers came from far across the sea,
Giv’n the land if they lived righteously.

Track 6: I Am Like a Star

I am like a star shining brightly,
Smiling for the whole world to see.
I can do and say happy things each day,
For I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

Track 7: In the Leafy Tree Tops

1. In the leafy treetops, the birds sing “Good morning.”
They’re first to see the sun.
They must tell ev’ryone.
In the leafy treetops, the birds sing “Good morning.”

2. In my pretty garden, the flowers are nodding.
“How do you do?” they say.
“How do you do today?”
In my pretty garden, the flowers are nodding.

Track 8: I Looked out the Window

I looked out the window, and what did I see?
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree!
Spring had brought me such a nice surprise,
Blossoms popping right before my eyes.
I could take an armful and make a treat,
A popcorn ball that would smell so sweet.
It wasn’t really so, but it seemed to be
Popcorn popping on the apricot tree.

Track 9: It's Autumntime

1. It’s autumntime. It’s autumntime.
The leaves are falling down.
It’s autumntime. It’s autumntime.
It’s all around the town.

2. It’s autumntime. It’s autumntime.
There’s yellow, red, and brown.
It’s autumntime. It’s autumntime.
Bright colors can be found.

Track 10: Once There Was a Snowman

Once there was a snowman, snowman, snowman,
Once there was a snowman, tall, tall, tall.
In the sun he melted, melted, melted.
In the sun he melted, small, small, small.

Track 11: Our Primary Colors

Our Primary colors are one, two, three—
Red, yellow, and blue.
Each one has a message for you and me.
Each is a symbol true!
Red is for courage to do what is right,
Yellow for service from morning till night.
Blue is for truth in our thought and our deed.
We will be happy when this is our creed.

Track 12: Hello Song

Hello! (Hello!) Hello! (Hello!)
We welcome you today. (Hello!)
Hello! (Hello!) Hello! (Hello!)
We’re glad you came our way
To share with us our Primary day
And be our friend in a very special way.
Hello! (Hello!) Hello! (Hello!)
We welcome you today.

Track 13: If You're Happy and You Know it

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap, clap)
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap, clap)
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your face will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap, clap)

Track 14: If You Chance to Meet a Frown

1. If you chance to meet a frown,
Do not let it stay.
Quickly turn it upside down
And smile that frown away.

2. No one likes a frowning face.
Change it for a smile.
Make the world a better place
By smiling all the while.

Track 15: Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes, knees and toes,
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, eyes, ears, mouth, and nose.

Track 16: The Wise Man and the Foolish Man

1. The wise man built his house upon the rock,
The wise man built his house upon the rock,
The wise man built his house upon the rock,
And the rains came tumbling down.

2. The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
And the house on the rock stood still.

3. The foolish man built his house upon the sand,
The foolish man built his house upon the sand,
The foolish man built his house upon the sand,
And the rains came tumbling down.

4. The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
The rains came down, and the floods came up,
And the house on the sand washed away.

No Track: Itsy Bitsy Spider

The itsy-bitsy spider
Climbed up the water spout
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out
Out came the sun
And dried up all the rain
And the itsy-bitsy spider
Climbed up the spout again

No Track: Bringing Home My Baby Bumble Bee

I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,
Won't my mommy be so proud of me,
(Cup hands together as if holding bee)

I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee,
Ouch! It stung me!
(Shake hands as if just stung)

I'm squishing up the baby bumblebee,
Won't my mommy be so proud of me,
('Squish' bee between palms of hands)

I'm squishing up a baby bumblebee,
Ooh! It's yucky!
(Open up hands to look at 'mess')

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Father's Day and Pinterest

Hello! I haven't posted for awhile. It's great to be back! :)

So I know Father's Day is still a week an a half away but now is a good time to start brainstorming about what to do for those special men in our lives. I've found a couple of ideas out there in blogland and have posted them to my pin board for you to check out. And I'll keep pinning Father's Day ideas that I like up until the 19th, so keep checking back if you still don't know what to do.


Wait - what is a pin board? Well let me tell you!


Pinterest is like a virtual bulletin board. When you find a picture, idea, or website you like - you "pin it" or basically create a link for it that shows up on your boards. I don't know if any of this makes sense or not - BUT you have to check it out. Pinterest is definitely one of my favorite sites out there! Let me know if you have an account so I can follow you and feel free to follow me.

- Lois

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Crunch Time!

Lee's time as an "employee" is winding down before he'll be his own boss. (Check out his website...it's under construction, but go ahead and take a peek! elktoneyecare.com) We have been saving diligently for awhile, and this month will be no exception.  The grocery budget will be low again this month--which I am sure is no suprise!  The past couple of months I spent more on groceries and it was very fun...but time to buckle down...even though I am only saving myself a few dollars in doing so.

For June: $210.  I am cooking up the same foods, like beans and rice, box mac-n-cheese, and of course ramen.  Don't get too worried.  These meals are repeated only about twice the entire month.  Plus we have been enjoying fresh strawberries, a little bit of spinach and some lettuce from our garden.   I feel like we'll be just fine in having balanced meals. (I need to get into couponing more!!!)

Here is our menu for next week...not much different from ones you've seen in the past!
Sunday: Eggs...your style, applesauce (I am all about easy, quick dinners on Sunday!)
Monday: Fried rice, broccoli
Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup (yes, it's summer, but we have everything for soup already)
Wednesday: Fettuccine with homemade alfredo sauce, peas
Thursday: Black bean quesadillas, corn
Friday: Homemade pizza, pop (I have some pop left over from our recent trip)
Saturday: Orzo with parmesan and fresh basil

Good luck with all your summer budgeting!!

Here is the orzo recipe.  I've made this a couple of times and love it.  It's fun because we use our fresh basil we have growing inside.

Orzo with Parmesan and Basil
By Dodiepajer
From allrecipes.com

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

  1. Melt butter in heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in orzo and saute until lightly browned.
  2. Stir in chicken stock and bring to boil. Cover. Reduce heat and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15 - 20 minutes.
  3. Mix in Parmesan cheese and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to shallow bowl. Garnish with basil sprigs.
    ~Ruth

    National Chocolate Ice Cream Day


    Did you know that there is a National holiday almost every single day of the year?  It's true!  Today is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day.  A great looking recipe can be found here.

    Some of the days are extra silly, like "Talk Like a Pirate Day" (Sep. 19).  Lots are based on food, like today.  Others are based on people (Children's Day June-10 or Father's Day June-19). 

    There are a lot of food days coming up, a couple more in June and a lot in July, so I thought I would give you a heads up, in case you want to celebrate.

    • June 1-Donut Day
    • June 2 National Rocky Road Day
    • June 7 National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
    • June 17 Eat Your Vegetables Day
    • June 22 National Chocolate Eclair Day
    • July 1 Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day
    • July 6 National Fried Chicken Day
    • July 7 Macaroni Day
    • July 12 Pecan Pie Day
    • July 13 National French Fries Day
    • July 14 Cow Appreciation Day
    • July 17 National Ice Cream Day
    • July 20 National Lollipop Day
    • July 28 Milk Chocolate Day
    • July 30 National Cheesecake Day
    • Aug 3 National Watermelon Day
    • Aug 14 National Creamsicle Day

    Happy eating this summer!!!! ~Lena