St. Patrick's Breastplate

I bind unto myself today The strong Name of the Trinity,

By invocation of the same,

The Three in One and One in Three.

~St. Patrick's Breastplate

More here.

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

I'm not a fan of marshmallows unless they are in hot chocolate or toasted. I've never been one to eat them straight out of the bag. Even so, I got the idea to dip them in chocolate and decorate them for Valentine's Day. I figured my husband and children would eat them, and I would just swoon over the cuteness.

When I saw the pink (strawberry) marshmallows on the grocery store shelf, I knew I had to have them for this project. Who doesn't love chocolate brown and pink together?

What started out as a cute project ending up being a delicious project. These are way better than I could have imagined!

To make them you need one bag of strawberry marshmallows, one container of Dolci Frutta, and sprinkles.

Simply melt the Dolci Frutta according to the directions on the package, dip one marshmallow, and carefully place the sprinkles on it. Stand on undipped end, and proceed to the next marshmallow.

I can imagine these for every holiday now, but those little heart sprinkles are going to be hard to beat.

Candy Cane Hearts

This is such an easy way to use up any leftover candy canes that you have hanging around from Christmas. Or, if you have no leftovers, you may be able to find some on clearance. I paid $.19 for 24!

Hot glue two candy canes together to form a heart and hang with red ribbon. It's amazing how striking they are!

Easy Heart Garland

After seeing this heart garland, I had the yearning to make my own. It couldn't be easier, and it's very pretty!

Cut heart shapes out of felt in your choice of colors, and feed them through the sewing machine. (Thanks for sewing them Autumn!) The cutting out takes much longer than the sewing.

Our garland has been hanging for a week now, and I'm nowhere near tired of it. It's so cheery on a rainy February day, and even more adorable when there is snow on the ground.

Valentine's Tea

Abigail, Autumn, and I welcomed 24 young ladies and women into our home today for a tea to celebrate God's love for us. The younger women participated in a button swap and read Scripture verses pertaining to love.

On the menu:

Vegetables and Dip

Organic Cherry Gelatin

Ham and Potato Quiche

Pasta Fagioli Soup

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

Wrapped Lil Smokies

Chocolate Dipped Marshmallows

Pink Coconut Ice

French Vanilla and Chocolate Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting

Assorted Teas

Pink Coconut Ice

I just can't seem to get enough of pink confections lately. I don't necessarily have to eat them, I just need to create them. Abigail and I teamed up to create this easy sugary confection. One recipe makes plenty because it is so rich and the servings are small. You can find the recipe at Mama's Fixins.

April Fools

...aren't just fools in April.

In Florida , an atheist created a case against the upcoming Easter and Passover holy days. He hired an attorney to bring a discrimination case against Christians, Jews, and observances of their holy days. The argument was that it was unfair that atheists had no such recognized days. The case was brought before a judge.

After listening to the passionate presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel declaring, "Case dismissed!" The lawyer immediately stood objecting to the ruling saying, "Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians have Christmas, Easter and others. The Jews have Passover, Yom Kippur and Hanukkah, yet my client and all other atheists have no such holidays."

The judge leaned forward in his chair saying, "But you do. Your client, counsel, is woefully ignorant."

The lawyer said, "Your Honor, we are unaware of any special observance or holiday for atheists." The judge said, "The calendar says April 1st is April Fools Day.

Psalm 14:1 states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God. Thus, it is the opinion of this court, that if your client says there is no God, then he is a fool. Therefore, April 1st is his day.

Court is adjourned.

Happy Christmas!

We were blessed last night by a beautiful Lessons and Carols service, and good fellowship with church family. It was the first time ever that our children were up past midnight on Christmas Eve. We were driving home at 12 AM, when Abigail shouted, "Merry Christmas!"

Such a change from Christmases past. I was the first one awake at 6:45 AM. I began with prayer, and then started preparing apple pies for the oven. I was alone in my thoughts for over an hour.

This year, we're waiting for Jon to arrive before opening gifts. One last Christmas morning with his parents.

I'm looking forward to the afternoon and playing games around the table. I love the sound of our family laughing together.

I pray that each of you has a blessed day celebrating the birth of our Savior. May you enjoy your precious families as they gather round your table.

Christmas Past, Christmas Present, Christmas Future

There's a party in progress at my house as I write. Mac and Autumn's 3rd Annual Christmas Bash. They even had an ice cream cake that said just that. And shrimp cocktail, cheese ball and crackers, pepperoni, nachos and salsa. And cookies.

Games have been played, laughter has been heard. A living room full of teens gathered in my home for an innocent night of fun.

I've been in the kitchen all day, baking. Baking Ladylocks. And making peanut brittle, chocolate covered peanuts, and peppermint bark. I've been trying desperately to capture a bit of what Christmas past has been. Trying to stir up memories from my children's Christmases gone by.

Wasn't it just last year that they had their pudgy little hands grabbing Chex mix from the counter? I'm sure that they had to stand on their tippy toes to reach the cake pan. And now? Autumn will be in her own home next Christmas; decorating her own tree, and creating new traditions for her own little family. And Mac will be home on Christmas break.

This is the first year ever, in my 19 years of marriage, that I haven't baked dozens of various kinds of cookies. I picked a select few, and kept it simple. Simple gifts, simple foods. It leaves more time for cherishing. Cherishing. Time is slipping by, and I need to savor every moment.

In the Mood

Several months ago, Mac competed in an Outstanding Youth Contest and was chosen to compete at the state level this past week. Thursday morning, he and I packed up and headed across the state to a posh hotel, all expenses paid.



We arrived in the city with just enough time to get to the hotel and register him for the competition. He was busy with interviews all day, so I got to venture out and do some Christmas shopping.

We met back up late in the afternoon. His gave a speech, competing against 9 other fellows from across the state around 7:30 PM. Although he didn't win, the experience was a good one, and we both had fun.


We were both hungry, and decided to walk to the Hard Rock Cafe which was four blocks away. Four very cold blocks away. The temperature was about 19 F. As we hurried along, a man rounded the corner, greeted us and said, "Hey, I have something for you."

"No thanks", I replied, and kept walking at a brisk pace. Mac however slowed down. What a naive young man. When he noticed that I kept walking he ran a few steps to catch back up.

We are so not city people!

Mac treated me to a delicious supper, and we walked back the same four cold blocks. The chilly air combined with the Christmas lights was exciting, though!

We were intrigued by our hotel accommodations. The hotel was comprised of two towers connected by a walkway. One tower was 18 stories while the other was 25. There were dozens of shops and six restaurants. It was like something in a movie. Like I said, we aren't city folk.



In the walkway connecting the two towers was a bar with a fish tank for the counter top. Fascinating! And this large gingerbread house. Boy, did it ever smell good in there!

Take a look at the lollipop tree!


I was wishing all of my children could have seen this winter wonderland.


The trip to the city did help put me in the Christmas mood. I have one more birthday to celebrate on Thursday, and then it's all about Christmas.

Scenes from Resurrection Sunday

After our morning worship service, we headed home to find a table that had already been set. I had a few more preparations to do in the kitchen for our meal, and then we sat down to a time of sweet fellowship.

I love it when everyone lingers over the meal, talking and laughing. It's the best part of the day. Thankfully, we all sit down together most evenings. Our meals always end with Verne reading a chapter of Scripture to us.






Glossy black olives and deviled eggs are favorites of everyone. I miss the days when the children would place an olive on each finger. They're all growing up.

Thanks to Verne's mom, I have lots of pretty platters, including an egg plate to serve on!




Today's menu:
Baked Ham
Scalloped Potatoes
Carrots and Cauliflower
Pear Salad
Deviled Eggs
Black Olives
Pull Apart Biscuit Ring
Orange Punch
Lemon Fluff



Verne's Aunt Debbie brought this biscuit ring to every family get together. Since we left Pennsylvania nearly 10 years ago, I have missed it. I called her last night to get the recipe. One bite, and all of the memories of gathering at Grandma's house came flooding back. Verne was thrilled!




Cheers! Non alcoholic orange punch. So easy, and so tasty!







Pear Salad topped with a cherry. Mmmmm... a favorite from my childhood!





A real feast!









I had the children clear the table and put the food away. I washed all of the dishes, by hand, wiped counters, and cleaned the stove up.

Mac helped me out by singing to me as I worked. We sang a few songs together. This always makes the workload seem lighter.

As soon as the counters were clear enough, Abigail and Collin broke out their candy boxes and began trading. I love to hear the "deals" that they make.

Autumn dried the dishes and put them away.





After a few hours and a nap, we broke out the Lemon Fluff. I think I'm ready for another nap!


I hope that each of you had a blessed day!

He's Alive!!!

Happy Resurrection Day to each one of you!

As I reflect on this day that we celebrate our risen LORD, I feel such joy in my heart. So many hymns come to mind, and I've been singing them as I prepare for our celebration meal. But one song, not a hymn, stands out in my mind. Perhaps because I've known it for years, long before I had any hymns memorized. Perhaps because it tells the story of the day that Jesus arose from the dead in such a way that I feel I'm there. I could be Peter! I'm sharing the lyrics, but I'd really like for you to gather your family, click on the link below, turn up your speakers and listen. Really listen. He's alive!

He's Alive
by Don Francisco

THE GATES AND DOORS WERE BARRED AND ALL THE WINDOWS FASTENED DOWN
I SPENT THE NIGHT IN SLEEPLESSNESS AND ROSE AT EVERY SOUND
HALF IN HOPELESS SORROW AND HALF IN FEAR THE DAY
WOULD FIND THE SOLDIERS BREAKING THROUGH TO DRAG US ALL AWAY

AND JUST BEFORE THE SUNRISE I HEARD SOMETHING AT THE WALL
THE GATE BEGAN TO RATTLE AND A VOICE BEGAN TO CALL
I HURRIED TO THE WINDOW AND LOOKED DOWN INTO THE STREET
EXPECTING SWORDS AND TORCHES AND THE SOUND OF SOLDIERS FEET

THERE WAS NO ONE THERE BUT MARY SO I WENT DOWN TO LET HER IN
JOHN STOOD THERE BESIDE ME AS SHE TOLD US WHERE SHE'D BEEN
SHE SAID THEY'VE MOVED HIM IN THE NIGHT AND NONE OF US KNOWS WHERE
THE STONE'S BEEN ROLLED AWAY AND NOW HIS BODY ISN'T THERE

WE BOTH RAN T'WARD THE GARDEN AND THEN JOHN RAN ON AHEAD
WE FOUND THE STONE AND THE EMPTY TOMB JUST THE WAY THAT MARY SAID
BUT THE WINDING SHEET THEY WRAPPED HIM IN WAS JUST AN EMPTY SHELL
AND HOW OR WHERE THEY'D TAKEN HIM WAS MORE THAN I COULD TELL

SOMETHING STRANGE HAD HAPPENED THERE JUST WHAT I DIDN'T KNOW
JOHN BELIEVED A MIRACLE BUT I JUST TURNED TO GO
CIRCUMSTANCE AND SPECULATION DIDN'T LIFT ME VERY HIGH
'CAUSE I'D SEEN THEM CRUCIFY HIM, AND THEN I SAW HIM DIE

BACK INSIDE THE HOUSE AGAIN THE GUILT AND ANGUISH CAME
EVERYTHING I'D PROMISED HIM JUST ADDED TO MY SHAME
WHEN AT LAST IT CAME TO CHOICES I DENIED I KNEW HIS NAME
AND EVEN IF HE WAS ALIVE, IT WOULDN'T BE THE SAME

SUDDENLY THE AIR WAS FILLED WITH A STRANGE AND SWEET PERFUME
LIGHT THAT CAME FROM EVERYWHERE DROVE SHADOWS FROM THE ROOM
JESUS STOOD BEFORE ME WITH HIS ARMS HELD OPEN WIDE
AND I FELL DOWN ON MY KNEES AND I JUST CLUNG TO HIM AND CRIED

HE RAISED ME TO MY FEET AND AS I LOOKED INTO HIS EYES
LOVE WAS SHINING OUT FROM THEM LIKE SUNLIGHT FROM THE SKIES
GUILT AND MY CONFUSION DISAPPEARED IN SWEET RELEASE
AND EVERY FEAR I'D EVERY HAD JUST MELTED INTO PEACE

HE'S ALIVE, HE'S ALIVE, HE'S ALIVE AND I'M FORGIVEN
HEAVEN'S GATES ARE OPENED WIDE

(REPEAT CHORUS TWO MORE TIMES)

HE'S ALIVE, HE'S ALIVE, HE'S ALIVE . . . HE'S ALIVE


Click here to listen to Don Fransisco sing He's Alive!

Precious Moments

Christmas day was a wonderful celebration that was enjoyed at a slow pace. Sleeping late and a delicious coffee cake for breakfast were just two of the treats that we shared.

The children brought their stockings into our room, and the six of us sat on the bed as they were opened. What a sweet time! It's been quite a few years since all of us lounged in the the same bed in the morning!

Phone calls to and from far away loved ones, a delicious ham dinner, and loads of kisses and hugs throughout the day made it special.







The gifts were simple and wonderful. This book that was made for me by Abigail touched my heart and made me cry. She included pictures of the two of us, as well as scraps from dresses that I have sewn for her. This book is sure to be cherished my whole life long.















Gorgeous cards in my stocking from Autumn. These girls have been busy! You may remember that not too long ago I went to work with Verne for his birthday. Well, now I know that besides cooking dinner, Autumn organized a "Santa's workshop day" as well.






Handsome boys...









delight at a handmade nativity from Abigail...





















More simple, but heartfelt gifts. Abigail made Autumn bath salts, and they are NICE!







Joys of reading





and tasty morsels as we played games around the table, and watched movies in the evening.










The perfect end to a perfect day!

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! Psalm 34:8-9

Wishing you all ...

a very Merry Christmas! May the Lord bless you as you celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!

Deck the Halls!

Welcome to BooMama's Christmas tour of homes!










Welcome! Come on inside, and make yourself comfortable!

Our Christmas tree is the first thing you see as you enter the front door. Our oldest daughter, Autumn, decorated it by herself this year. I think she did a great job.


Here's one of my favorite ornaments. I bought this for Verne several years ago. Can you see what it says? "I burn 4 U"


Greenery above the windows.

We don't have a fireplace, so the stockings hang on a shelf. I made these the second year we were married. I was pregnant with our oldest child. I decided to make 6 total, and guess what? There are six of us! Too bad that Grandma's doesn't match. Hers hangs on the end.

Little touches of winter here and there.

I received this basket when I had my wisdom teeth out the week before Christmas 19 years ago. I still get it out year after year.


I love this simple wooden Nativity. Children can play with it, but it's beautiful.

More greenery graces the entertainment center.


Let's make our way into the kitchen!



Nesting gingerbread men line the countertops.









Greenery and mistletoe hang above the doorways.








Festive salt and pepper shakers, and a spoon rest bring joy to the cook.






Various small stockings, mittens, and wooden signs hang from the cabinet doors.



















A jolly snowman contains cookies in his head and body, nuts in his hat, and candies in the snowballs that he holds.

On to the dining room!

Our Nativity was handpainted by my mother's cousin.


A small Christmas tree decorated in gingerbread men and cookie cutters. This tree is always my favorite.
Even the master bedroom has a few festive touches.

A gingerbread couple sits on a trunk at the end of the bed.


And a small tree lives on the nightstand.


Thanks for visiting! Feel free to have a look around and grab some of my recipes to take with you. You might like some of these:

Hard Tack candy
Peanut Brittle
Hot Cocoa