Mothers Day Brunch Meal Plan

by Jenny Irvine // March 31, 2016 // No Comments

Sharing my Mothers Day Brunch Meal Plan

As a mom to four kids I know first hand how crazy the days can be. Motherhood although a beautiful gift is certainly no walk in the park. It can be hard and draining – lets keep it real. We work tirelessly to meet the needs of our children in hopes of one day seeing the fruit of our labor. We try to remain faithful to our calling even on those day’s we wish we could resign from our position.

Then, there are those day’s we are smothered in hugs, kisses, and cuddles – making all the hard days more than worth it.

Now, since we are being honest – Mothers Day although great ‘in theory’ is truly just another day. Not to crush all those who delight in Hallmark holidays {I said I was keeping it real} – its just another day! Another day waiting to be explored – everyday is a gift in my book. I don’t need a ‘special’ day to recognize my efforts – everyday is filled with little gifts; but, it is up to us to find them.

So, all that said – Moms I think you are great! Moms, we are raising the future leaders and world changers of tomorrow – you have one of the hardest job on the planet and you are so loved by all who come into your path.

And, to the tired mom, I hope you find rest in your day of ‘crazy’ and are showered with hugs, kisses, and love – may you be filled with the kind of ‘peace’ that fills your heart to the brim and doesn’t require special recognition because you know your special each and everyday!!

And, because I know I am special…I will likely be cooking up this meal plan myself and, that is o.k.{I’ll just make them clean up the mess…hahaha}

Happy Mothers Day to all those Rock-Star- Momma’s out there…enjoy your day and eat good food!

Mothers Day Brunch Meal Plan

Easy Cheesy Egg Casserole by Gimme Some Oven is very similar to a recipe that I make for Christmas morning at the homestead. The only difference is I use the shredded hash browns and layer it like a lasagna. It’s basically eggs, cheese, sausage, pepper, onions, and hash browns all mixed together and then baked. It is a great make ahead meal everyone will enjoy.

This Ham and Herb Quiche by Chocolate Moosey jumped out at me while I was looking for the perfect Mothers Day brunch meal plan fixins- I will be using one of our homestead pre-made gluten free pie crusts but, if you’re short on time store bought works just the same!

Mix Eggs, ham, herbs {rosemary, thyme, and parsley}, onions, milk, heavy cream, salt and pepper poured in a pie shell – I think we can do this, right moms? {Chocolate Moosey’s recipe only calls for 2 eggs for a serving size of 8-10 that doesn’t quite seem right? 2 eggs will likely not be enough to feed my family of 6 so I will likely be adding 4-6 eggs to ours.}

I love orange poppy seed dressing ! So, this Orange Poppy Seed Fruit Salad by Natashas Kitchen totally sold me!

Photo Credit; Nathasha’s Kitchen

No brunch is complete without some kind of quick bread, donut, or muffin – right?

And, because we don’t normally drink juice or anything other than water around here – I think our kids will get a total kick out of having a ‘fun drink’ with their Mothers Day Brunch {after all it is because of them I am a mom- so why not make it special for them too}.

This Cranberry Brunch Punch by Gather for Bread will surely win my little crew over.

Cranberry-Brunch-Punch - Mothers Day Brunch Meal Plan Idea

Photo Credit; Gather for Bread

Cheers – to a Happy Mothers Day and Having a Meal Plan!

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Easy St. Patricks Day Crafts For Kids With Supply List

by Jenny Irvine // March 4, 2016 // 9 Comments

I have searched around the web and gathered up some of my favorite “St. Patricks Day Crafts For Kids” to share with all of you.

If you missed my post on not quite feeling like and A+ mom – maybe you should head over there first. Whether you do one or none of these – you are still awesome! The real joy and contentment of motherhood comes from knowing that we alone are enough to our kids – no crafting required!

Still feeling crafty? Here are some of my St.Patricks Day Kids Crafts in no particular order;

Try your hand at a “Hand Print Shamrock” and capture the memories of those sweet tiny hands

Don’t feel like getting that messy? How about just a “Thumb Print”?

I simply love this little gem of a leprechaun from crafty morning …I think my kids are going to have a blast making this guy.

After teaching a mosaic arts class last semester – I have some big plans for these St. Patricks Day Mosaic Shamrocks from Happiness is Homemade… I’m thinking they will make the perfect bunting decor for our homeschool window.

I did this project many moons ago with our girls but, it is now time to revive an oldie but, goodie. The Fruit-loop Rainbow is always a big hit {we use dye free/ gluten free fruit loops since there is always snacking involved}

Short on time? Here is a rough St. Patricks Day craft supply list just for you – order now, so you can spend more time crafting and less time running! (affiliate links included)

Freedom Foods Tropicos

Heavy Weight Card Stock

Wiggly Eyes (we like the peel and stick ones)

Construction Paper

Mosaic Cardstock Squares

Fork

When Life Happens and You Don’t Feel Like an A+ Mom

by Jenny Irvine // March 3, 2016 // 1 Comment

When Life Happens andYou Don't Feel Like an A+ Mom

So if you’re anything like me, you sometimes have the best of intentions, big ideas, or great plans only to fall short of your vision. You want to do some fun crafts, games, or activities with your little ones all too soon to realize that the darn holiday or event is literally the next day and you have nothing planned. That’s right, nothing – not one.single.thing!

That’s when it gets good…the flood gates open; I some how go from this desire to be an A+ ‘fun mom’ to a horrible mom in a bad mood all because I had these ‘great‘ ideas and plans built up in my head but, instead of my ‘fun fantasy plans’ this thing called ‘life’ happened.

I got caught up on an important work call. The dog puked on the floor for the 100th time. Speedy-Bee and Nature-Boy turned the house into a real hunting camp complete with guns, nerf-gun bullets, and little stuffed animals tucked in every cranny of our home. Music-Bee needed help with her report. Crafty-Bee wanted to bake a recipe which we only had half the ingredients for.

So, what do I do?

I do what every awesome mom does, hide in a closet, and login to Facebook for a breather. Wow, that really made me feel better -ummm, said no one ever. I log in only to see little Sally’s mom made awesome looking cupcakes, Johnny’s mom decorated the house perfectly for a fun afternoon of crafting, Grace’s kids are sitting picture perfect on the couch listening quietly to a story and, here I am feeling like a horrible mother hiding in a closet. My big plans of awesomeness turned into just ‘another day’ in the blink of an eye.

Have you been there? I mean, seriously y’all don’t make a girl feel like she is the only mom who has ever hid in a closet for peace and quiet from life’s chaos.

This message is to all the overachievers out there {and trust me, I am one} guess what, you’re not a bad mom if you didn’t have a chance to decorate Easter eggs, carve that pumpkin, or make some super-duper special treat for your kids class party. Yes, we really have had years that we did not decorate eggs. We have had years where our NOT carved pumpkin sat beautifully displayed for the world to see. You have strengths and bring beauty to your kids days- everyday, 365 days a year.

Your kids simply want you to show up and be there. Your mood changes the homes atmosphere {no pressure, haha} and, your shortcomings teach your kids grace. So, don’t beat yourself up the next time things don’t go as planned. Don’t rush around like crazy to ‘pull it off’ {ummm…because clearly I may or may not have tried to do this}.

Simply show up, be there, and maybe consider turning your phone off.

All that said; by all means if you still feel so inclined to do some activities, cook some yummy food, play some games, or read some good books in the days, weeks, months ahead stay tune because I have some holiday round ups coming just for you!

And, remember whether you do one, none, or all of these things….the most important memory you could make today is simply being present. So yes, that means staying out of the closet. Well, unless there is coffee and chocolate involved….then, by all means sip your coffee and wolf down that chocolate piece before you are busted!

Still finding crafty? Here is our ‘My Happy Homestead Holiday Round Up with Supply Lists’ so, you can spend more time crafting and less time running around!

Easy St.Patricks Day Crafts For Kids