Train Up Tuesday: What We're Up To

Hey gals, have any of you noticed our absence on Tuesdays lately? "Life" has been happening to me. I didn't just have ONE "month of Mondays", we were hit with craziness in February AND March! And from the sounds of it, it's been hitting a lot of my friends, family, andacquaintances. But more about that in a future post :)

For now, I'd just like to share a few things brewing in our home to help

us focus on "joy" and good stuff (I'm fond of Pollyanna's "glad game" concept...we'v

e certainly needed something like that around here lately). I found this cute idea on....wait for it....Pinterest and thought I'd introduce it to my family. It's a "warm fuzzies" jar. (Here is the original site that was pinned, which also has several REALLY great Resurrection week ideas!) I placed 100 pompoms (since we recently hit our 100th day of classwork) in the heart and when one family member notices someone else's kind deed or thoughtfulness within the family, the "doer" gets to put a "warm fuzzy" in the vase. Right now, that's all the motivation my little guys need to play the game....just getting to transfer the bright fuzzies. I guess you could have a "reward" for filling the other jar if you felt it necessary, but it is a bit nice to just find satisfaction in noting someone else's kindness, don'tcha think?

Also, I've really wanted to incorporate more celebration and awareness of Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday. It can be a new concept particularly to a Protestant who wasn't brought up much in the way of liturgy. Again, Pinterest was somewhat helpful, but some of my FAVORITE ideas have (once again) come

from Impress Your Kids. One of the posts has a collection of other readers' ideas. I really liked the Resurrection Garden. We made one together and it is quite lovely (even though I don't have a green thumb, I was thankful for being able to dig up grass and moss patches in our own yard....RESOURCEFUL!) ;-)

We are also mixing up our homeschool curriculum and focusing on the lessons that lead us through Holy Week (another reason I love "My Father's World). I'm adding some of the ideas from Impress Your Kids to make it a sensory experience with my boys.

Yesterday, we talked about "The Last Supper" and broke bread with my husband over Skype during his lunch break at work. My oldest (6 y.o.) read from his Bible Reader about the bread. It was lovely.

I hope to have a family foot washing on Maundy Thursday and then prepare our first Seder meal for Good Friday as we talk about Passover to really draw my boys into the story of that final week leading to the Resurrection. I find that recreating the scene really gets lodged into their little brains and hearts. (I saw it in action as we acted out the feeding of the 5000 recently...what fun they had trying to carry 12 "baskets"!) To find out more about a Seder Meal, check out Thriving Family.

Be sure to look back through posts from previous years to see what other Resurrection fun we've had here on the Roof! I know my oldest (AND my husband) looks forward to the Resurrection Rolls again this year!

He IS Risen!...we don't even have to wait until Sunday to celebrate!!!

Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: THE Greatest Love of All

There has been so much to say about Ms. Whitney Houston's death. Much of it reflects sadness not only on how many of us presume she passed, but also over how she chose to live much of her life. She provided so many "anthems" that are considered the "gold standard" in music now. Unfortunately, between the lines of her songs and her life is clearly marked sadness and loneliness unsuccessfully veiled with false self-confidence. And even more unfortunately, these songs really are anthems for this generation.

Consider today "The Greatest Love of All", it speaks of how children today need to be taught well and led, how in her own search for a "hero", she found no one to meet her needs and found loneliness as a result. In attempt to take care of herself, she looked to herself to find that the "greatest love" is "learning to love yourself". Sadly, in the end, she learned that this was not enough after all.

Is this enough for our children? Looking to themselves for their safety, love, acceptance? There HAS to be more that we can teach them! Well, I have GREAT news, WE CAN teach them and show them a better way!

Do you know THE Greatest Love of all? Of course, I'm talking about Christ, primarily. But there is something more I want to share. If you are married, it is your marriage relationship. Read Ephesians 5:22-29 for full context, but read this quote by John Piper:

The main meaning of marriage is to display the covenant-keeping love between Christ and his church. In other words, marriage was designed by God most deeply, most importantly, to be a parable or a drama of the way Christ loves his church and the way the church loves and follows Christ. This is the most important thing for all husbands and wives to know about the meaning of their marriage.

"Marriage Is Meant for Making Children...Disciples of Jesus, Part 1." (Sermon delivered on June 10, 2007).

I came across this during our youth group's Sunday night gatherings. We are using a resource from "Children Desiring God."

Teaching our children to love, value, and respect the marriage covenant IS the way we can teach them and lead them in the greatest love of all and in leading others towards that. Are you valuing that relationship? Are you doing everything to protect it and honor it, to make it of primary importance to your family? Are you preserving it for your children's sake and the sake of the unchurched? I've mentioned it here before, that Titus 2 isn't there just so we can have happy homes for our own sakes, but so that God's Word isn't dishonored. Do we really believe that?

One of my awesome girls in my 10th-12th grade small group that I am humbled to lead brought up something quite profound. We were discussing Satan's lies and how he makes the "traditional" family look unnecessary or lacking. I asked them why they thought Satan fights so hard to tear down the traditional family and makes divorce look acceptable and desirable. One dear girl said (and I paraphrase poorly), that Satan hates the picture of Christ loving the Church for eternity despite their shortcomings. He seeks to destroy that testimony to the world so that the world won't believe that Christ could really love them that much.

Wow! This is one girl who IS being led properly in her home and is learning to have that Christian worldview. And she is right. Satan does want to fight tooth and nail to blind us and the world to God's love and perfect plan.

Let me leave you with a slightly more inspirational song that you may hear today, in light of the greatest love of all. The message isn't perfect, but if you can "redeem" the lyrics in light of Christ's love for the Church and our love for Him, maybe you'll think a little differently next time you hear "I Was Made to Love Her". Take it, Stevie:

Train Up Tuesday: B*E*L*I*E*V*E

(Pinterest pic...couldn't find original source)

So, last week, I directed you to the website Impress Your Kids for a great tutorial (on ahomemade gift idea) and to be inspired for Advent ideas. Well, guess what? Although I'm a subscriber, I sometimes get behind on fresh reads from my favorite sites. In doing that, I didn't realize that Amanda (Impress Your Kids) has a downloadable Advent book "Truth inthe Tinsel" complete with daily lessons and ornaments (that can be made with household items)! Best part....it's only $4.99 and you can download it IMMEDIATELY! "Yeah, but it's already December 6!" No sweat! She has alternate schedules so that you don't have to feel pressured to complete all 24 days. So, go there NOW (well...when you finish reading this blog, first) ;-)

Speaking of "Truth in the Tinsel", two of the lessons from the last few days have really got me thinking. One day, we learned about Gabriel's message to Zechari

ah regarding the joyous news that he and his wife would have a baby, even in their old age (Luke 1:5-25). Zechariah doubted, and as a result, the angel shut his mouth so that he would not be able to speak until John (the baby) was born.

(Zechariah ornaments my boys made from "Truth in the Tinsel")

The next day, we learned about Gabriel's message to Mary, that not ONLY would she conceive though she had not "known" a man, but that her son would be THE SON of the Most High (Luke 1:26-38)! And her words? "Be it unto me, according to your word." She may have been "troubled" by the saying, but she had no disbelief.

(Ornament made by my oldest)

Now, when I contrast those 2 messages, it seems more likely that Mary should have doubted, for her news not only seemed impossible, but also a little "lofty", whereas Zechariah's news was more on the "highly improbable" list. But how many times do we do this...doubt something that is "highly improbable" at best (or worst?)?

I wonder how many times that our doubt has resulted in us missing opportunities to proclaim knowledge of God's hand at work while it was happening or about God's peace while we were waiting for the promise. Maybe God is still going to "do" as He promised, but because of our doubt, we miss being able to give Him glory in the meantime.

I so want to be like Mary - when faced with joyous (though maybe intimidating or overwhelming) news - that I sing and praise even before there is evidence of the arrival of God's promise. I don't want to have "nothing to say" or be unable to speak of what I see God doing because I doubt!

Just BELIEVE!

Homemade Gift #5

Are you enjoying the homemade gifts from the last month? I know they are nothing fancy. I don't know how to sew, I don't knit, so I have limitations with time and knowledge as to what I can do. But I do enjoy the little bit that I DO get to make!

This week's idea is very easy. I like scrapbooks (have NEVER made one)...but I LOVE photo books that you can put together electronically on various sites. This year for my Want, Need, Wear, Read gifts, each of my 3 boys are getting a photo book filled with photos from a previous year of their life (can you say, "someone neglected keeping up with baby books"?).

I've used a few different photo sharing sites, but so far, my favorite is Shutterfly, both for quality, affordability (especially with discounts this time of year), and ease of putting it together (which, with 3 boys ranks pretty high on my list of importance). I especially love their custom path.

Because of a recent shipping special, I also ordered some extra Christmas cards from them (I'd rather spend my money on a product to qualify for free shipping than to pay for shipping!) They have some lovely Christmas card designs as well as lots of other designs in their collection (maybe for a New Year's card if it's too late for you to do a holiday card?).

Family Gallery Christmas Card

Turn your favorite pictures into personalized Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Here is a preview of our card!

Take care!

Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: What's in THE Name?

I LOVE Isaiah 9:6 and this print is a beauty! (Be sure to head over to jonesdesigncompany.com where you can download this print in this color and a blue/gray version)

This verse is often quoted at Christmastime, and appropriately so. It's no wonder that it is used in Advent readings, as well. Speaking of which, this week marks the first week of Advent! If you are looking for appropriate Advent readings, BillyGraham.org has a GREAT series.

Are you also looking for ways to teach your children about the names of God? There are plenty of great resources out there, I'm sure, but I adore the site: Impress Your Kids. She has SO many ideas that are great for every day, but she has helped shaped our family in great ways with activities, lessons, and even the homemade gift below!

Homemade Gift (#3)
Last year, I saw a great tutorial on Impress Your Kids on how to cut out your own letters, apply them to a canvas, paint over it, and VOILA! make a beautiful personalized painting.



Amanda at Impress Your Kids used a favorite quote from the Jesus Storybook Bible (which you know I LOVE). I used it for one of my "Want, Need, Wear, Read" gifts (the "Read" one) by combining the names of my 3 boys into a painting along with the verse that inspired their names. It turned out beautifully (the picture isn't great...had to snap it at night with low light):



It really was a simple project (and inexpensive). I used a canvas from Goodwill that I painted over. I was able to complete this project over the course of a couple days' worth of naptimes (with 3 boys, that's the only way I could do it!) It's well worth your time and makes a great impact! I hope to make more in the future for family birthdays and such.

You could even use the idea for the Isaiah 9:6 verse! How lovely that would be. :)

Enjoy your countdown!
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Getting "Stuff" Out of the Way for Thanksgiving

There are a couple of pictures on Pinterest (I know, roll eyes now) that made me stop....longer than to just "pin" them, but to really think about them. Maybe you've seen them or pinned them (no judgment here):

AND THIS ONE:

Please don't think I'm "over spiritual", but as lovely as these sentiments are....I think that we (at least in western culture) have let thanking God for all our "stuff" get in the way of thanking God for all HE is. Certainly, I think we can "take a break" from asking God for anything, but I think we can do more than thank Him for all we "have", unless of course those "haves" are things like, salvation, His protection, His provision for our real needs, etc. (as opposed to our really awesome house or that really good steak we had the other week).

And what if we DID only wake up with those things we "thanked God for yesterday"? I don't think I'm alone in thinking that I'd still be content, because I do continually thank Him for my family and my relationship of Him....those "things" that matter most.

Please make no mistake. I'm not that hard-nosed. Of course I think that hearing a child thank God for the Hershey kisses he got to have that day or for his favorite toy of the moment is precious and I understand how we can "thank God" for a caffeine boost that seemed to get us through the day. But, I think sometimes we overuse "thank you God", like we overuse "love" (i.e. "I LOVE those new shoes!"). It's almost like taking that phrase in vain. I think we fail to get beyond the "stuff" part of our gratitude and fail to see the One who provides, protects, and so on.

So, while thanking God for the year of bounty, I hope I remember to take time to thank God for those attributes that acknowledge Him for who He is and how I've seen Him in my family's life over the last year. I hope I don't just let my list of favorite stuff get in the way of true gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: TIME OUT for Thanksgiving

The last couple of weeks, we've been considering "Advent" and "homemade gifts". But this week, I HAVE to take a TIME OUT! I definitely want to get the "Advent" message out there (because in years past, I haven't given enough time in advance to actually allow readers to prepare before Advent). However, I do not like what the over-commercialization (and even well-meaning preparation) of Christmas has done to other important November holidays (can you say "Veterans Day" and "Thanksgiving"?).

So, this week, take some time and re-visit some previous Roof posts on "Thanksgiving". You'll find some great old and new traditions to consider and some fun ideas to celebrate THIS season.

Don't get so caught in the hustle and bustle of buying or making gifts that you fail to be thankful for here and now!
-Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Random Acts of Kindness and Homemade Gift #2

Did you know that November 7th is the beginning of "Random Acts of Kindness" week? You may remember a link to some great RAoK ideas a few weeks ago. Well, I searched on "Pinterest" for some more ideas (unrelated to blogging about it here) and was pleasantly surprised with THIS RAoK Advent idea (Random Acts of Christmas Kindness)! What a GREAT way to "redeem the time" and make the focus of Advent what it was truly intended to be!

I also like the timing of the "RAoK Week" because it leads up to "Veterans Day." Wouldn't it be lovely to take some time THIS week to do some "random acts" for a Veteran you know? Or perhaps you don't personally know a Veteran. Maybe you could keep your eyes peeled when you are in public for some men and women wearing flag pins or hats. You could secretly pay for their meal or coffee and perhaps leave a note of encouragement and thanks to them. Maybe you could do something for the family of a Veteran (those spouses and children have made much sacrifice, as well).

Although (I think) Veterans should often receive "special treatment", I doubt it is as commonplace as it once was. Your children may ask why you are doing it; perhaps the receiver asks as well. Make sure that your children and the Veterans know that it is more than mere appreciation, but that you are a "servant of Christ" and it is your delight to serve or encourage others so that they may see Christ.

What a GREAT opportunity that RAoK Week and Veterans Day affords us this week! Check out randomactsofkindness.org for more ideas!

Homemade Gift (2)
This next gift is so much fun! It's a dress up trunk! Almost every little boy or girl I know would love such a gift. Last year, I collected clothes and costumes for my niece at half price sales at thrift stores and by rummaging through my own unused collection of purses, bags, accessories and jewelry. With the Halloween season behind us, you may be able to score some great steals on costumes. Your imagination is the only limitation! Find either an old suitcase or a rubber storage container. I LOVED seeing my niece's expressions as she discovered all the treasures inside.

Another play on this idea is to make "when I grow up" kits. Maybe you collect things for an original doctor's kit (bandages, cute cold compresses), housewife's cleaning box (empty squirt bottles, aprons, cute rags), or even something imaginative like a "knight's chest" or a "space explorer's backpack". This year, I'm working on a Caboodle's box (does ANYONE remember those?!) filled with real curling and flat irons (with electrical cords removed), hair clips, hair embellishments (maybe I'll find some feathers), and fake make up. I found great inspiration for fake make up that doesn't involve the mess of the play make up. Be sure to check it out on Chasing Cheerios!

Hope this inspires your Advent Season AND your week (You don't have to save RACK for Christmas; make it Random Acts of CHRISTIAN Kindness any day!...Thanks to my friend, Kathy for that one) ;-)

Train Up Tuesday: Words of Affirmation and Homemade Gifts

Okay, let's just get it out there. It's NOVEMBER!!! I know it's still too early for most to think about Christmas, and I certainly DON'T want to rush my favorite holiday (Thanksgiving), but if you've been following the Roof for a while, you know that the ADVENT season is one of my favorite times of year. I always wait until almost the end of November to mention it, so I'm trying to get a jump on it this year. I love the "anticipation" of it all - not just the countdown to Christmas, but instilling the love of "anticipation" for our Lord's return.

So, if you are filled with this "anticipation", I'd like to offer some ideas over the next few weeks on what you can do as you await Christ's return AND an idea of how you can prepare for the coming holiday season.

If you recognize the phrase "Words of Affirmation", you may know the book "The Five Love Languages". (And if you don't know the book, it is WELL worth your read!) In case it doesn't ring a bell, it is the love language that uses the spoken (or written) word to encourage someone you love. Oddly enough, it is often people we think who don't need these words (extroverts, performer types, those managing or directing others) who often need them the most!



Recently, God has "blessed" my family with a few opportunities to use kind words (we started calling them "healing words" in light of our recent memory verse: Proverbs 12:18) in public situations dealing with people who work in some form of customer service. In a couple of different situations, women were struggling with either the boundaries of their position or their inexperience on their new job. In the one situation, we did not have the opportunity to "give" healing words, but in the car ride home, my oldest son asked if we could pray that the lady would have a better day (because it was certainly impacting those around her!). In the second situation, my boys heard me encourage the young lady that her day would get better, which led to another prayer for someone we didn't know.

I say this, not to brag on my "perfect" (*snort*) family, but to encourage you moms to take captive of those little opportunities to bring "healing words" to someone your family encounters THIS week! As a stay-at-home mom, I have to hunt and keep my eyes peeled for such encounters.

Homemade gift (#1)
Over the years, my family has experimented with different gift-givings to try to bring it all back into the right focus. We've done "Make, Bake, Sew, or Grow" (where the gifts you give must fit one of those categories thus making it somewhat homemade); with my kids we've given just 3 gifts (to represent the Magi) and last year we did 4 gifts for each (something you Want, you Need, to Wear, and to Read). We'll probably stick pretty close to the latter again this year. However, I always try to make at least one of the gifts I give (can you tell what MY "love language" is?).

This year, I'll try to share with you some easy-peasy gift ideas that you, too, can make (trust me, it'll be pretty easy....with 3 boys running around, I can't really get into too many crazy hobbies and craftiness)!

One gift that has been fun for me is decorating wooden peg dolls. I found loads of inspiration on Etsy.com and one year I made little families for my nieces and one set for our family (and if I can find a pic, I'll post one later).

This year, I hope to make peg superheros for at least one of my boys who is really into Spiderman lately. I found these cuties on Pinterest (but you can by these through an Etsy shop):




You can buy wooden pegs at Hobby Lobby (wait until unfinished wood goes on sale or take a coupon). If you want more shapes and sizes (as I did), you can buy them from Etsy as well. You can even use the old wooden clothespins (without the springs). Have fun with it, add "hair" or fabric if you are so inclined. OR, if you have a crafty one on your gift list, give them the supplies they need (paints, brushes, glue, pegs) so they can design their OWN peggies. I've even seen some drill little holes, attach a small hook, and make a cute necklace out of their peg people!

Peg people - it's a relatively quick, easy, and inexpensive crafty gift!

Happy November!
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Celebrate the Flag!

Has today just passed you by? I mean, did you wake up thinking..."just another Tuesday"? Did you know it is "Flag Day"? Does it matter? I have a love/hate relationship with the spring/summer holidays from Memorial Day through Veterans Day (with D-Day, Flag Day, 4th of July) all of it wrapped up in these nice, beautiful seasons. On the one hand, you have a great 5 months to celebrate the greatness of patriotism. On the other, you have a lot of people (including myself) who see it all get jumbled up into "one" idea of celebration. Each of these holidays mark very specific points for our country - honoring the fallen brave servicemen and women, remembering specific attacks, the "adoption" of our flag, our country's "birthday" of freedom, honoring those who have served. It is a beautiful time indeed, but it is so easy to gloss over all of it and not take time to make each of these days special.

In the past, I've not really made a big deal over "flag" day. I'd like to change that. Last year, we visited my Dad's grave on Memorial Day weekend (he was a Marine and actually passed around that time many years ago) and went to our first 4th of July parade . I've not found a lot on "Flag Day" in the way of crafts, but perhaps these links will get you started:

Enchanted Learning has quite a few great printables to help you.

Apples 4 Teacher has SEVERAL links to help you talk about Flag Day and to make things for celebrating.

I think this would be a fun flag to make... "Let freedom ring"


...but I don't know my boys would be able to do much in helping me with it. So, our craft will probably be basic and made from whatever craft bits I have on hand.

Maybe, if your family enjoys exploring "The Flag", you could talk about making your own family flag, filled with symbols that mean something to you, your interests and your values! I'd like to do that at some point with my family. Perhaps revisiting the idea every few years to see if anything changes.

Hope it's more than just another Tuesday for you!
Ashlie

Marvelous MEMORIAL MonDAY: Honoring the Honorable!

Dear Military Wives,

As our country honors your spouses today, in RWAV fashion, we want to honor YOU and your sacrifice!

Thank you for all of the heart wrenching goodbyes you have said on behalf of our freedom.

 Thank you for all of the exhilirating "welome homes" that you took the time to make extra special for your men on behalf of our freedom.

Thank you for enduring the unknowns, the unbearable, the gut wrenching pain, great loss and grief--for wives like us and our families that you don't even know--on behalf of our freedom.

Today, we honor YOU among the honorable. Your men couldn't do it without you--and neither could we OR our country. God bless you, precious women! We salute you.

Stay at Home Saturday: Memorial Day Savory Smackerels

So...we've been doing a "get outta yo suppatime rut" series but we're gonna take a little break for some  Memorial Day weekend celebration inspiration. Here are some quick, go to, easy concoctions that definitely have a "wow" factor and won't be anything but crowd pleasers...or at least conversation pieces!

Patriotic Appetizer

For the Caprese lovers in your group, the first tray is blue corn chips, sliced tomatoes, and mozarella cubes topped w/ mozarella cheese cut into stars. The other tray is black olives, cherry tomatoes and balls of fresh mozarella. Remember--it's alllllll in the presentation!

Patriotic Side/Entree

Believe it or not, this patriotic persuasion comes from the Mexican side of the spectrum--Taco Salad! Click here for this Taste of Home specialty.



Patriotic Dessert
Ingredients:
•20 ice cream sandwiches (regular, strawberry or neopolitan)
•1 12 oz. jar hot fudge sauce
•1 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
•red, white and blue sprinkles

Preparation:
1.Cut one ice cream sandwich in half. Place one whole ice cream sandwich and one half of an ice cream sandwich side by side across the short end of a 9 x 13 pan.
2.Next to those ice cream sandwiches, arrange 8 more ice cream sandwiches lengthwise, to cover the bottom of the pan.
3.Place hot fudge sauce in a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 30 seconds. Spread half of the sauce over the ice cream sandwiches.
4.Top with half of the whipped topping.
5.Repeat layers: ice cream sandwiches, hot fudge sauce and whipped topping.
6.Freeze, uncovered 2 hours. Cover with foil and freeze another hour.
Makes 24-36 servings.

Wanna add some flair to the top? Get some bluberries and strawberries OR raspberries and bring out the inner patriot in you!

We would LOVE to hear your ideas and see pictures of your patriotic creations so PLEASE send them to roofwithaview at gmail dot com!!!!! We will share your ideas as July 4th ideas for our fellow sisters. :)

Thrifty Thursday: Moms eat free!

If you need to keep it easy on the wallet and are at a loss where to head for Mother's Day festivities, here are 10 Mother's Day Freebies -- where moms eat FREE!

1. Boston Market - Free Dessert: Every mom gets a FREE family-size dessert -- apple pie, chocolate cake, etc.! -- with a purchase of any family meal from May 6-8. Download the coupon to receive the offer.

2. Champps Americana - $10 Off: Moms get $10 OFF with any $25 purchase from May 6-8 at participating Champps Americana, located in 20 states.

3. Denny's - Free Sundae: Send mom (or yourself, if you're a mom) a free Mother’s Day eCard through Denny’s Facebook page (you have to "Like" them first), and get a coupon for FREE Pancake Puppies Sundae on Mother's Day.

4. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse - $25 Gift Card: The steakhouse and wine bar is offering a FREE $25 dining card for a future dining purchase through 6/12/11 when you treat mom to brunch or dinner on Mother's Day. On May 8, Fleming’s brunch menu will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations strongly recommended.

5. IKEA - Free Breakfast: This Mother's Day, visit the IKEA restaurant before 11 a.m. and enjoy a FREE breakfast of fluffy scrambled eggs served with a side of hash browns, scrumptious bacon, plus a hot cup of coffee, all for FREE! And then go shopping! Offer valid Sunday, May 8, 2011.

6. Restaurant.com - 80% Gift Certificate Discount: Restaurant.com is offering 80% off $25 gift certificates. Get a $25 gift certificate for just $3 to use at any of their 18,000 restaurants nationwide. What a deal! Use the coupon code "BONUS" at checkout.

7. Ruby Tuesday’s - Free Red Velvet Cupcake: Visit on Mother's Day and Mom gets a FREE gourmet cupcake! Yummy! Reservations are strongly suggested.

8. Souper Salad - Free Buffet: Print this coupon and get a FREE buffet with purchase of an adult lunch or dinner buffet. Valid Sunday, May 8 only at participating locations.

9. Starbucks - Half-Price Frappuccino: Moms (and anyone else) can score HALF-OFF frappuccinos at your neighborhood Starbucks location between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. May 6-15. No coupon necessary.

10. TCBY - Free Yogurt: For the fourth year in a row, TCBY will offer FREE frozen yogurt to moms on Mother’s Day. Moms will have the choice of their favorite flavors, such as White Chocolate Mousse, Watermelon Sorbet, or Strawberry.

How are you planning to celebrate? Please do tell if you know of any other great deals so the ladies of the Roof can take full advantage!

Marvelous Monday: Holy Week and the Easter (Egg) Story

For many Christians, this week, the week before Easter, symbolizes "Holy Week" or "Passion Week"-- the last week of Jesus' life including his crucifixion and resurrection. The week began yesterday, Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem to cheering crowds and ends on Easter Sunday when we celebrate the Resurrection and that He is ALIVE! I encourage you join Finding Hope here on Facebook as they share thoughts and scriptures each day this week on Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection and how is the foundation for our HOPE.

Many of you have probaby heard of Resurrection Eggs. We mentioned them in this post two years ago and you can buy them here for 16.99. Good news is you don't have to spend 16.99! I was so excited when my three year old daughter who is now old enough to understand and appreciate them came home from preschool with her very own set that she made in class! I love her preschool.

You can make them with your kids too. It really is a great way to impress the Easter story from Matthew 26-27 into their hearts and minds.

All you need is an old egg carton, 12 plastic colored eggs and the items below to go inside each egg. If you really want to go all out, see how this mom implemented it as a full on activity (I think for homeschool).
Here is a print out that coincides with each egg.


Have a Marvelous Monday!
Hannah

SAHS: Savory Smackerel(s)~Easter Treats

As you can tell from Caroline's post yesterday, the woman of the Roof have been busy making some savory Easter treats!

You'd be missing out if we didn't also share Catherine (aka Musing Foodie's) latest Easter creation here~these presh Bunny cupcakes!

If you made our lil bunny foo foo vases posted here, you may have some peeps left over. A friend, Denise sent the cutest idea to share with you. Check out these bunny pops! You can learn how to make them here.

How cuuuuute would your Easter desert table be with these three creations? You're HeHasRisen! Easter celebrations would be the hit of the town~especially for your kids!

Free-for-all Friday: Local Area Easter Activities!

Ladies, ladies, ladies,

Spring is here and Easter is quickly approaching! We want you to be able to get out and do some fun things with your families. We love our readers from all over the country and your local areas have so much to offer for one of our fav seasons and holidays.

So, we have taken some of our viewer areas and are letting you know a few things that are "out there" so you can join in the fun. Don't delay! Gather your munchkins and hop to it (pun intended). :) Keep in mind these may not be complete lists and please remember to check with your local churches for Easter concerts, plays, and services.

First, check out Taste of Home's guide to our nation's best Easter Egg Hunts here. I can attest that the White Houses' Easter Egg Roll is one of my all time fav childhood memories!

If you can't make it to an event on that list, click below on the area closest to you for more fun. If we're missing your area or fav activity, by all means, give us a HOLLA and let us know so moms near you (and their families) can benefit. We'd especially love to hear how you churches are celebrating!

Charlotte, NC area
Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, NC
Wilmington, NC (here and here)
Cleveland, TN area
Memphis, TN area
Charleston, SC
Metro Atlanta, GA area, North Georgia and Augusta
Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia
Dallas, TX Metroplex area
North Florida
Florida
Denver, CO
Minneapolis/St. Paul
San Francisco Bay Area
Oregon
Washington State (here and here)

Happy Friday!

Marvelous Monday: DIY Easter Wreaths

Remember the heart tissue paper wreath here and the cupcake wreath here? You may get a goooood chuckle but I gave it a whirl Easter style. I'm not totally hit in the head with it but here goes nothing....

Now, my friend, Clyda got creative w/ some foamy Easter eggs and tissue paper. Same principle...cardboard backing, hot glue...go wild. She's sending me a clearer picture but here you go in the meantime. Also, I happened to see these foam eggs at the Dollar Tree yesterday.

Her little girl got bored gluing so she filled in the holes with tissue. Good ole tissue paper! Always works in a pinch. Kinda like duct tape. :)

Here's another idea if you're feeling kinda funky. I got this cheap wreath in the $1 section at Target just to give an Easter-y touch to my daughter's bedroom door.

 A couple days later, lo and behold, I ran across this blog where they implemented the exact same wreath along with a picture frame and wooden letter for an even grander creation. It looks pretty easy!

What Easter or Spring creations are decorating your doors?!?! Do tell. Happy Monday. Have a MARVELOUS one!

Marvelous Monday: Easy Spring & Easter Decoration Craft

Despite the yucky weather this weekend which is not an indicator Spring is here for keeps, we decided to go ahead and spruce up our decorations so it at least feels a little fresh and Spring-y inside. The good thing about Easter being at the end of April this year is you can reallllllly get a lot of mileage out of your Spring/Easter decorations if you start now! We have an inexpensive, basic, eaaaaasy peassssssy craft that'll give your tables, mantles, and any nook and cranny a cheerful, happy, warm fuzzy little Spring is in the air lift! We'll call them Lil' Bunny Foo Foo Vases.

All you need is:

                                                       -Box of Peeps in any color

-Your color preference of Jelly Beans

-2 jars in different sizes, one smaller than the other so that it will fit inside and allow approx. a 1 inch space around the sides

Directions:

-Fill bottom of jar w/ jelly beans leaving enough room from the top so a peep can sit on top of the beans and still fit down in the jar.

-Put smaller jar inside of the peep circle so you can fill it with water and insert flowers.

Note: Peeps look better if you leave them attached and do not tear them apart.

These snapshots are from our trial run. For some reason, I always have jars when I don't need them and today, I couldn't round up any of those jars I had been "saving." I must've really used a lot on our Valentine craft. That being said, these weren't quite the jars I had in mind but they worked in a pinch. Next go round, I'd like to do some bigger ones.

Good ole Mason jars came to the rescue!

....and so did a couple of tumblers.

Little Bunny Foo Foo Vases Round 1

Aren't they screaming for some bright, colorful tulips or gerber daisies?!?! Got some and accidentally left em' at Target. :/ Gotta go back. Ready for some SUNSHINE!!!!

Ya'll try this out and send us pictures! You hear?!?!? Happpy Monday and Hapy Spring! Have a marvelous one!

-HPS

Marvelous Monday: St. Patty's Food Fun

March 17. St. Patrick's Day. This coming Thursday.

Whether or not you're Irish, St. Patty's Day can just be a little something fun to give you a reason to deviate from the norm and have some family friendly fun. Maybe you already have some ideas up your sleeves. If not, maybe these will help get those creative juices flowing in the area of creative food without adding green food coloring to everything under the sun. Don't get tooooo excited cuz we're keepin' it preeeettttty basic here, but your kids might likey.

Breakfast:

• One blog I read suggested topping your favorite healthy muffins recipe or mix with cream cheese an green sprinkles for some added flair.
• I also have learned that you can use a heart cookie cutter, cut three hearts, put them together and it makes a shamrock. This could work w/ toast or french toast, girls.
• I'm thinking about trying these Naturally Green Sweet Pea Streusel Muffins. I like the name. Think the munchkins will go for them? I mean, they do have chocolate chips in them. I can hear my mother right now telling me those look not very good.

Lunch:

• Remember the heart cookie cutter turned shamrock idea from above? Take it to the limits, baby....tortillas, quesadillas, sandwiches. Name your (or your child's) pleasure.

Dinner ideas :
Actually, this is me needing you to get my creative juices flowing in this department.

• Shepherd's Pie may be a hit for some families. In others, it may make the children dread SPD. If you decide to make it, one option could be to make the mashed potatoes green w/ spinach puree but then again...risk of creating a holiday tradition the kids may dread? Maybe you have some better ideas since "green" foods aren't typically at the top of my three year olds list.
• Sweet Peas?
• Green Beans?
• Cole slaw?

LOL. OK. I'm at a loss for surefire hits in this category. Somebody help this sister out. I'm starting to think our best bet is to make homemade shamrock shaped pizzas. Hey, the heart shaped ones are a hit at Valentine's Day!

Fun Snack/Dessert:

Would you believe these are yogurt covered pretzels?!?!? Cuteness. Click here to make your own.

Dessert:

What we called Grasshopper Pie was one of my all time fav desserts as a child and it was a very special treat when my mom made it! Click here for recipe. Note: Make green by using green Mint Choc. Chip ice cream. I guar-an-tee this will be a crowd pleaser! :)

Happy Monday, ya'll. Have a Marvelous one.

Love ya,

HPS

Free-for-all Friday: Craft time

On Monday, I posted some birthday tips I recently learned and am tucking away in my memory for future celebrations. Donna told me I should post the cupcake craft from the party. It was really easy and you could probably adapt it in some way for any occasion.

Here is what you need:

Any size terra cotta pot and water dish



I got the idea from a Christmas craft my daughter brought home from preschool~a candy cane jar (see... it really is a versatile craft). Hats off to her teachers who were brave enough to let a class of 10 three year olds get into paints!

And here, you have the cupcake pot!



If you are brave like the preschool teachers, you can have the little guests paint their own pots. This time, my sister and I went ahead and painted the mini-pots in the party colors for the girls and boys and glued the "cherries" on top.  Note: in the candy cane pot above, painted wooden knobs were glued on top to serve as a knob to pull the top off. We just used pink and red fuzzy balls and they serve the purpose fine.

Initially, I was going to do bigger terra cotta pots and dishes but I'm glad I ended up choosing the mini ones b/c the fit in a cupcake stand (kinda~if you didn't breathe on them~ha!) and made a nice centerpiece before and after craft time...toppled over and all...wish I'd gotten a pic before the topple.

Sooooo...for the craft, the kids decorated their "cupcakes" w/ stickers, glitter glue and beads. The glitter glue proved me juuuust brave enough for our cute little crowd (ranging from age 2 to 6). :) My fav line as I saw the red glitter glue covered all over one cupcake was, "Look! I made a chocolate cupcake!" Priceless. My other fav line was "When do we get to eat a REAL cupckake?" Again, priceless.

The munchkins were precious as they so diligently decorated their cupcakes. I've never seen eight children so still and quiet so I'd say the cupcake craft was a success!

Let us know if you use this in any shape or fashion for your next celebration so we can join in the fun!

Love,
Hannah

Marvelous Monday: Chocolate Cakedy Cake Cake Cake

Ever since our Musing Foodie did her diddy on Valentine Sizzles, we've been waiting on pins and needles for her "whip up in 8 minutes" lava cake and those homemade chocolate cups (hint, hint, CC)! Donna also posted this HEAVENLY and sinful chocolate cake. It seems us women can never get enough chocolate so while you wait for that lava cake recipe, I'll give you a couple more morsels of chocolate to tease your pallets.

I was cleaning out my email box and ran across this novelty idea from Katie L~5 minute chocolate mug cake!

• 4 tablespoons flour
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3 tablespoons oil
• 3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
• A small splash of vanilla extract

• 1 large coffee mug (MicroSafe)

Directions:

1. Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
2. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
3. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract, and mix again.
4. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.
5. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
6. Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
7. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?
Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!



Remember this scene from My Big Fat Greek Wedding?

Well, sweeties, have I got THE BundT recipe for you! It's not just any bundT. It's a Chocolate Chocolate Chip BundT. Caroline (aka Happy Four) made this for me when I had my twins and it has been made repeatedly since.

I'll admit at first I was bundT challenged...

...but am happy to report the past few attempts have been bundT success! Our grandmother's weren't lyin' when they said a lil crisco and flour are your friend.

Want me to say BundT one more time? Ok. I will. Click here for such BundT goodness that it won't be around long enough to put a plant in it!

Need something to top all of this chocolate? What better than chocolate? Let's not forget Amy A's homemade chocolate icing that she shared with us here.

Do you have some chocolate favs you'd like to share with us? Either way, you ladies have noooooo excuse but to have yourselves a scrumdillylish Valentime's w/ yo men!

Love ya'll!
Hannah