Eat: Memorial Day Inspired Lunch

Memorial Day is right around the corner. But I want my kids to know that it's not just a good day to hang at the beach or pool and buy some furniture or a car. I want them to respect and appreciate what Memorial Day symbolizes--the men and women who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom. That is truly something worth celebrating.

And so to spark a conversation (and to make meal time a little more fun), I put together this Memorial Day inspired lunch.

Play: Memorial Day Dyed Pasta Crafts

With Memorial Day coming up we've been reading some Memorial Day books and doing some crafts with DIY dyed pasta.

Pasta Art

Coloring your own pasta is cheap and easy, and can be used for lots of fun projects.  Here's how to do it!

Put 1 tsp vinegar into a plastic bag.  Add 20 drops of the desired color of food coloring.

Add 1/2 to 2/3 cup uncooked pasta of desired shape.  We used ditalani.

Close the bag and give everything a good shake.  Let them sit for 10 minutes, then shake again, and let sit for 10 more minutes.

Grow: Don Richardson (Missionary May Series)

We continue our focus on missionaries in the month of May by looking at the work of Don Richardson.

Source

Before I begin, I've got to confess that I am no missionary expert. I didn't grow up learning about those that took the gospel to all nations. I don't really know very many now. But I do want my children to know about them. And so I'm embarking on new territory for me so that I can make sure my kids know about the "great cloud of witnesses" that are around them and that have come before them (Hebrews 12:1).

Eat: Strawberry Inspired Recipe Round-up

One of the things I love about this time of year is fresh, ripe strawberries!  I am eagerly anticipating the opening of strawberry picking season at our local orchard, so I was inspired to look up some recipes that go beyond just the normal strawberry shortcake.

Play: DIY Photo Coasters

I made these for Mother's Day, but I didn't get it up here in time for you this year. But you can do it for next year, or for a birthday, or Father's Day, you name it. These are totally customizable and especially great for people who are hard to shop for.

Grow: Eric Liddell (Missionary May Series)

We've chosen the month of May to focus our grow posts on some of the heroes of the Christian faith - missionaries!  I've decided to start off by learning some more about Eric Liddell, and teaching my boys about him too.  Most of what I know about Eric I learned from watching Chariots of Fire, so I was especially interested to learn more about his missionary work in China.

Source: Eric Liddell in the Paris Olympic Games

Eat: Overnight Breakfast in Bed Recipes

Isn't there something so magical about breakfast in bed?

I always liked the idea of getting fed while still in my pajamas and under snuggly warm covers. And now that I'm a mom, the appeal is even greater when on a regular morning, I have to deal with diapers and potties and booster seats and bouncy seats and dishes before I can even think about feeding myself.

And so I love the one day a year when my hubby gives me breakfast in bed.

But I know how hard it can be to get up early to make breakfast in bed for somebody. It's hard. Really hard. And so I've compiled a list of thirteen different ideas for breakfast, all of which can be made the night before, aside from the last baking, so you can catch a few extra winks but still bless the one you love. So now husbands everywhere won't have any excuse not to bring breakfast to their wives for Mother's Day. And maybe other days, too. :)