General Conference Memory & FHE Lesson

General Conference is this weekend!  We always try to make the FHE before General Conference about the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles.  Last year in The Friend magazine (Sept. 2014 issue) they had a fun activity with Special Witness cards.  We made a memory game with just all the faces printed and laminated them.

My kids had a lot of fun playing with them for FHE and later during General Conference.  They loved finding the face of who was speaking. Elder Christofferson quickly became the favorite match because my kids are convinced that he's from the Disney movie Frozen.

This year I used the same cut-outs again, but to switch things up a bit and since it is Easter, for our memory game the matches were in plastic Easter eggs; instead of just the pictures, we had the one picture and made the match to the picture be fun facts about each person.

You can do this whichever way is best for your family.  If you want to just put picture matches in the eggs, you can do that.  You can also color coordinate the eggs for young kids who don't quite understand memory yet.  To make it more of a challenge you can get eggs of all the same color, etc.  Do it whichever way works best for your situation.  I just did a bunch of random colors.

I put the eggs in egg cartons so they wouldn't roll around so much.  I plan on letting my kids use these during General Conference this weekend.

This time, we also added that whenever a match is made we read a quote from that person's conference talk from October.  I put together a list of my favorites, but you can definitely use your own.

I love doing lessons like this.  They really get my kids excited about conference.  I love that the First Presidency and Apostles are becoming more familiar to them and they know their names. 

Materials: 
Special Witness Cards from The Friend Magazine (decide if you want the match to be the face and facts or just faces.)
30 plastic Easter eggs
Empty egg cartons, optional.
Quotes from each member of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve (you can use mine, or pick your favorites!)



Song Ideas:
Follow the Prophet
Latter-day Prophets
We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet
Come, listen to a Prophet's Voice  

Tie Onesies

I think little boys are so cute in ties! These tie onesies would make a great gift. I seem to have so many friends' having babies lately and I am always looking for a fun homemade gift! Or if you have a little boy of your own stick this in his Easter basket so he can have a cute new Easter outfit.

Supplies:

• White Onesies
• Tie Pattern or create your own
• Fabric for tie (scrap fabric or fat quarters)
• coordinating thread
• scissors
• sewing machine
• Pencil / Fabric Marker
• Pins or Spray Adhesive 

First cut out the tie (or bow tie) pattern.. My pattern is just for 0-3 months and 3-6 month onesies but you can make it bigger quite easily by extending the tie to fit larger sizes)

I used the fabric marker (but you can also use a pencil) to trace the pattern on to the fabric. If the fabric marker or pencil don't show up on your fabric, you can also use a pen but trace on the wrong side of the fabric so you won't see the outline on the tie.

Cut your fabric.

Take the tie you just created and place it on the onesie to get the right position. 

I had spray adhesive on hand so I used that, but you could also pin the fabric onto the onesie.

I like to spray my adhesive on a plate and then use a brush to brush it on- I feel like it's less messy this way.

Use a medium width zig zag stitch to attach your fabric tie to the onesie. Every sewing machine is different so please use some test fabric to figure out the width you like best.

You can end here or you can add another line of stitches at the end of the "knot" in the tie. For the above fabric I preferred it as is, but I have an example below if you choose to add more detail.

If you do this, we would love to see the finished project!

Cheesy Potatoes and Cheesy Potatoes with Ham Freezer Meal

These cheesy potatoes are perfect to go with your Easter dinner.  You can throw this dish together in less than 10 minutes which is really nice.  You can even make them the night before you plan to use them and all you have to do is put the pan in the oven the next day. 

I've also made these potatoes into a freezer meal.  I add diced ham so it's more filling and works as a main dish.  It's the perfect freezer meal and has flavors that everyone loves.  I love to have a freezer meal on hand for when life gets crazy and this is one that my entire family enjoys.  

Since Easter is just around the corner you can double this recipe and make one pan for Easter dinner and then save the other pan for a freezer meal. Just refrigerate the extra casserole until after your dinner and add some of your leftover diced ham, mix it up and pop it in the freezer.  A side dish for your Easter dinner and a freezer meal for later.  Awesome!         

To make these Cheesy Potatoes you will need: frozen shredded hash browns, one can each of cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, celery, an onion, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning (we love this on potatoes, but you can leave it out if you aren't a fan of it), salt and pepper.  

This recipe is really simple. Combine the soups, sour cream, cheese and spices.  Mix well and then add the onions, celery and potatoes. 
Spread it into a greased 9x13 baking dish.  If you use a glass pan the edges and bottom of the potatoes will get a little crispy.  My husband loves the crispy potatoes, but use a different type of pan if you don't want the edges crispy.  I sprinkle a little extra cheese and some paprika on top for color.















Bake at 400 for about 35-45 minutes or until bubbly. 


















Cheesy Potatoes
Recipe by : Prescriptions for a Happy Home

Ingredients:
1 30oz. bag of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
1 10oz. can of cream of chicken soup
1 10oz. can of cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheese, divided (I like to use cheddar jack cheese blend, but use whatever you like)
2-3 ribs of celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
paprika, for sprinkling on top, optional

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Combine the soups, sour cream, 1 1/2 cups cheese and spices in a large mixing bowl.  Mix well.  Add potatoes, celery and onions.  Mix until combined.   Spread into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.* Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and paprika.   Cover with foil and bake for 35-45 minutes or until bubbly throughout.
Enjoy!    

*The potatoes around the edges and bottom of the pan may get a little crispy if you use a glass pan, so use a different baking dish if you don't want them to get crispy. 
 
















Cheesy Potatoes with Ham, Freezer meal
Recipe by : Prescriptions for a Happy Home

Ingredients:
1 30oz. bag of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
2-3 cups diced ham
1 10oz can of cream of chicken soup
1 10oz. can of cream of celery soup
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheese, divided (I like to use cheddar jack cheese blend, but use whatever you like)
2-3 ribs of celery, diced
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1/2 tsp. salt ( I add a little less if I'm adding ham, since the ham is pretty salty)
1/2 tsp pepper
paprika, for sprinkling on top, optional

Directions:

Combine the soups, sour cream, cheese and spices in a large mixing bowl.  Mix well.  Add potatoes, ham, celery and onions.  Mix until combined.   Spread into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.  Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and paprika. Cover tightly with foil and freeze.
Remove from the freezer the day before you plan to use it so that it can thaw.  Bake at 400 for 40-60 minutes.  Check to see if it's done at 40 minutes.  If it wasn't thawed completely, it make take up to 60 minutes.













Enjoy!

Easter Printable

I can't believe it's already time to decorate for Easter. This year, I decided I wanted an Easter printable that was more Christ centered. I love the song "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" and thought that line would be perfect for an Easter printable.

Enjoy decorating

Download the printable here (without the logo):
Easter Printable PDF
Easter Printable JPG

Baked Pork Egg Rolls

We love this healthy makeover and don't even miss the deep fried part!  Making homemade egg rolls may seem overwhelming but it really is not very hard.  And I've got step by step instructions today to help you succeed!  

To make your egg rolls you will need egg roll wrappers, ground pork, cabbage, shredded carrots(you can shred your own, but I like using pre- shredded carrots), a onion, garlic and ginger (you can use ground ginger, but fresh is so much better). I forgot to add salt, pepper and canola oil to the picture, but make sure you have those on hand, as well. You can find egg rolls wrappers in most  grocery stores by the fresh ginger and bean sprouts.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat with 1 T. of canola oil. when hot, add your pork. Season with salt and pepper. Stir often until it cooks completely.  

While the pork is cooking you can get your vegetables ready.  Add the onion, garlic, ginger and carrots to the meat.  Add about half the cabbage and stir.  Once the cabbage has cooked down a little add the rest of it.  It will look like a lot, but it will cook down.

Let the sausage mixture cook until the cabbage is tender. 

Now you are ready for the fun part! Spray a pan with cooking spray and fill a small dish with water. Have your egg roll wrappers and filling close by so everything is together.  

Put about 1/3 cup of filling in the center of the wrapper.

Fold up the bottom side of the wrapper over the filling

Dip your finger in the water and run it along the left and right sides  of the wrapper.  Fold one side over. Then the other.

Now wet the remaining edge of the wrapper.

Tuck any filling under the already folded part.  Roll the egg roll over once, towards to remaining edge on top as shown below

.

Fold down the top edge to seal. 

Place seam side down on the greased baking pan.  Repeat with remaining egg rolls.  Spray the top of each egg roll with cooking spray.  Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they start to brown. 

Enjoy! You can serve these with your favorite sweet and sour sauce.

Baked Pork Egg Rolls
Recipe By: Prescriptions for a Happy Home

Ingredients:
1 pkg. egg roll wrappers

1 lb. ground pork

1 T. canola oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 onion, chopped

2 inches fresh ginger, minced (or about 1 tsp. ground ginger)

1-2 cloves of garlic, minced

3 cups cabbage, shredded 

1 cup shredded carrots 

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Heat the canola oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the ground pork and season with salt and pepper. Stir pork often until completely cooked. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, carrots and half of the cabbage.  Stir and let the cabbage cook down a little and then add the remaining cabbage. Cook until cabbage is tender, about 4-6 minutes. 

Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray and fill a small bowl with water.  Take one egg roll wrapper and lay it in a diamond shape and place 1/3 cup of filling in the center. Fold up the bottom point to the center. With you finger, run a little water along the left and right sides of the wrapper. Fold each over, one at a time, to the center. Wet the top remaining edge with water.  Roll the wrapper with filling up towards the top. Fold down the point to seal.  Repeat with the remaining egg rolls.* Place egg rolls seam side down on the greased baking sheet. Spray each egg roll with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Serve with sweet and sour sauce, if desired.

Makes 12-16 egg rolls

*Note:When I make these for my family I like to use about half the filling for the first night and then I just refrigerate the remaining filling and egg roll wrappers and make them fresh for the next night.  You can make them all at once and just reheat them then next night, they just won't be as crispy.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Download our free printable HERE

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  We love celebrating holidays at my house.  My kids were thrilled to see green milk in the fridge this morning to go with their green pancakes and green eggs.  Little J was up earlier than usual because he was so excited to get to school to see if their leprechaun trap worked.  Holidays are so much fun!  

What fun things do you have planned for your family today?  We'd love to hear from you so please comment below with your fun ideas!

If you still need a dinner idea for tonight try our Pot o' Gold with Rainbow Dunkers.  Perfectly festive and sure to be a hit with your family!    Recipe HERE. 

Bruschetta

I love the combination of tomato and basil and I am always looking for a good recipe. I love this bruschetta recipe it is a great combination of the two but also feels light.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cut a cross in the top of the tomatoes (this will help you peel the skin easier). 

Once the water has come to a boil add the tomatoes. Set the timer for about a minute. You should notice the skin of the tomatoes slightly coming off the tomato. Turn of the heat and remove the tomatoes.

 

Gently peel back the skin of the tomatoes, it should remove easily. 

Cut the tomatoes in half and then in quarters. Using a knife slice the seeds off the tomato, as if you are removing a core from an apple. Toss the seeds. Continue doing this to all of the tomatoes until there are no seeds left. Finely dice the tomatoes.

In a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, 1 T. olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. 

Thinly slice the bread diagonally. Arrange the bread on a cookie sheet. Brush the 1/4 cup of olive oil on one side of each slice of bread. Toast them in the over at 450 for 5-6 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Place a scoop of the tomato mixture on each slice of bread. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes. Put back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Bruschetta

Recipe slightly adapted from Simply Recipes

Ingredients:

6-7 roma tomatoes

2 cloves, minced/1 tsp of garlic

1 T. olive oil

1 t. balsamic vinegar

6-8 chopped basil leaves

1 t. salt (to taste)

1/2 t. black pepper.

1 baguette

1/4 olive oil

about 1 cup of mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cut a cross in the top of the tomatoes (this will help you peel the skin easier). Once the water has come to a boil add the tomatoes. Set the timer for about a minute. You should notice the skin of the tomatoes slightly coming off the tomato. Turn of the heat and remove the tomatoes. Gently peel back the skin of the tomatoes, it should remove easily. Cut the tomatoes in half and then in quarters. Use a knife to slice the seeds off the tomato, as if you are removing a core from an apple. Toss the seeds. Continue doing this to all of the tomatoes until there are no seeds left. Finely dice the tomatoes.

In a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, garlic, 1 T. olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chopped basil, salt, and pepper. 

Thinly slice the bread diagonally. Arrange the bread on a cookie sheet. Brush the 1/4 cup of olive oil on one side of each slice of bread. Toast them in the over at 450 for 5-6 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Place a scoop of the tomato mixture on each slice of bread. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes. Put back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Enjoy!