The Pasadena Tournament of Roses
  A New Year’s Day Tradition

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Sunny

Pasadena Tournament of Roses logo

When I was growing up, I lived in and around Pasadena (outside of Los Angeles in California). Every New Year's morning, everyone there either attends the Rose Parade or watches it on TV. Many camp out overnight on the parade route, saving their spot for the next day. Some set up ladders with boards in between creating a scaffolding to see over the heads of the spectators in front, as the entire five mile route is very crowded. Others set up camp chairs on the roofs of their RVs. Some people buy expensive tickets for seats in the crowded stands that line the first blocks of Colorado Blvd., where the TV stations also have their cameras and commentators.

rose parade float giant robot honda

The floats of the Rose Parade are rather famous. You may know that one of their requirements is to be completely covered by plant materials. If you've watched the parade, you've heard the TV personalities telling the world about not only the flowers, but the exotic seeds, leaves, and other plant parts that cover the floats.

building a rose parade float

They are beautiful, and though I haven't done much more than glue on a few Hawaiian tea leaves myself on a Rose Parade float, I can tell you that a lot of planning and work goes into them.

LA museum rose parade float before the foliage

You may find this article about the mechanics of the LA Natural History Museum float for 2012 interesting.

But what the TV crews are waaaay negligent about are the marching bands! Oh, they give a little head nod to their fund raising efforts and how far they have traveled to be there, but the cameras pan over them briefly (if they didn't go to a commercial) and it's on to the next float or equestrian group. There are a whole slew of teenagers who have put in countless (non-texting or electronics using I might add) hours that are in step and not complaining about blisters (it is a long parade). There is little glamour, if any, for these kids. But any teen who when yelled "About Face!" at answers "One! Two!" and obeys immediately and without question, deserves some recognition.

Arcadia Marching Band in parade

My niece is marching in the parade this year, and I want to see her on TV! Their band won't have traveled far--she's in the same marching band that I was in when I myself was in the Rose Parade (twice even--boy was I glad I played the piccolo). I knew when I was in the Arcadia Apache Marching Band, that it was an awesome organization. But now as an adult, I am in even greater awe of the program that our director, Tom Landes, and his assistant, Tom Forbes, led. This year Tom Landes is retiring, and I am realizing how many years he dedicated to the band and how many students he influenced positively. What tremendous good a teacher can do by building students first, and programs second.

When I take my kids back to my home town, we often drive down Colorado Blvd., and I can't resist pointing out the pink line down the middle of the road. A line that is a guide to those float drivers that are hidden under the flora. But also the line that the center guide of a marching band rank walks down for five miles in dress shoes. Most years a float breaks down and needs to be towed, but the marching bands walk all the way. And besides them their directors. And not to be forgotten, the water-bottle toting parents.

Another thing I love about the Rose Parade, or the Tournament of Roses, is that even though it is a New Year's Day parade, it is never on Sunday. Whenever January 1st is on a Sunday, the parade is on January 2nd. In this day and age where the concept of "Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy" is largely forgotten, I appreciate (especially since I'm a Sabbath day fanatic and was in the band), this observance of the 4th commandment.

So this January 2nd at 8:00am Pacific Standard Time, you know where I will be. Since I'm not in California to see the parade live, I will be with my family in our p.j.s, watching the parade on TV (it's on at least one network station), and keeping my eyes peeled for the Arcadia Marching Band, that rank of french horns my niece is in, and Mr. Tom Landes as he walks beside the band in the Rose Parade for the last time. Maybe those TV personalities will mention him . . .

Oh, and there's a football game afterwards.

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A New Year’s Tradition

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Heidi

I got this idea from Sunny, who seems to always have great ideas for preserving memories. It's simple, yet keeps a good record of family history that is fun to look back on. Each year at New Year's, each member of the family fills out a form answering questions about themselves, the past year, and things to look forward to this next year. Most of the fun comes from "looking back" and reflecting on answers from years' past. I keep all the papers in a folder that I keep with my holiday decorations so it is always easy to be found at this time of year.

Here are some suggested questions:

  1. What was the best part of this year?
  2. What is something that is scary to you?
  3. What is a good joke you heard this year?
  4. What is an accomplishment you are proud of this year?
  5. What is a goal for you for this next year?
  6. What do you think will be different in your life one year from now?

Speaking of Sunny, last New Years' she posted about a great personalized Bingo generator that her husband created. Because it is personalized, it is a really fun idea for New Years', and great for other holidays and celebrations as well. Here's a link to her post, where you can download the free “do-it-yourself” Bingo Generator program”. It's a free program and she just asks that credit be given where it's due -- and that you share it with friends!!

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Crown Jewel Dessert AKA Broken Window Cake

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Cheri

Do you ever get the feeling that all I do is post recipes? That’s how I feel lately. And here’s another for you.

All growing up, my mom would make a special dessert on New Year’s Eve that reminded us of the fun colors of confetti. I loved it so much that sometimes I would request it as my birthday cake two months later. It takes a bit of time and quite a bit of refrigerator space to make, but I still really enjoy the final product! As a general rule, I don’t eat Jell-o pretty much at any time during the year. So overindulging on New Year’s Eve is alright with me.

We called it Crown Jewel Dessert, but in googling it, I see some people know it as Broken Window Cake. Any way you name it, it’s good! (Sorry the picture isn’t vibrant in it’s colors. We always use blue and purple Jell-o too to make it more spectacular.)

CROWN JEWEL DESSERT

1 3-oz. pkg each of 4 different color jello, plus 1 3-oz. pkg of lemon jello
½ cup pineapple juice
¼ cup sugar
2 cups whipping cream, sweetened
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter

Make each package of jello (except the lemon) separately with 1 ½ cups water. Pour into small pans and let harden. Combine lemon jello, sugar, and 1 cup boiling water; stir in pineapple juice. Chill until slightly thickened. Meanwhile, make crumb crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs and butter (save some crumbs to sprinkle on top). Press crust into angel food pan or long oblong pan. Prepare whipped topping; add lemon jello mixture and continue whipping until smooth. Cube pans of jello and gently fold into whipped mixture. Pour into crust and let chill overnight or at least 6 hours.

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Cover up, Barbie!

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Kerri

In each of our Five Real Moms homes, we are trying to teach our girls -- and boys -- about proper dress, modesty, and respect for our bodies. So when my 2 year old got Barbies for Christmas, she was so excited to play, but also oh so eager to undress her and change the clothes.

If it's been a while since you've seen an undressed Barbie, well, it's not something I want my little boys to see.

So, my advice to you? Don't be afraid to modify your Barbie doll with a Sharpie permanent marker! Behold, our Barbie's permanent swimsuit:

Now that I think of it, Ken could probably use some swim trunks as well.

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Merry Christmas – A Gift for the World

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Sunny

In the spirit of the true meaning of Christmas, may you enjoy these videos of the birth and life of Christ as told in the King James version of the Bible.

This is one of the videos. (It takes a while to load. If you'd rather just go to the site itself, click here.)

Get the Flash Player to see this content.

If you have an iPad, you will want to try out the free app also. It lets you read the New Testament, have it read to you if you like, see photos from the videos as they fit into the story, see videos as they fit into the text, and even explore maps of the Holy Land. A wonderful and beautiful tool for adults and children to learn about the life and mission of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

May Earth receive her King!

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Christmas Eve Traditions

Posted on December 23, 2011 by Janae

Throughout my growing up years we had a plethora of traditions for Christmas Eve. My Mom did everything she could to make it a special, memorable experience. I loved Christmas Eve, almost even more than Christmas itself. Now, as a parent, I find myself looking for the right combination of traditions to help my children's memories of the season burn bright in their hearts for years to come.

For several years, we've had a certain tradition that made Christmas Eve special. But, this year we decided to do it a few weeks early. So, again, I find myself looking for new traditions. I've asked around and gotten a pretty good list. If you have others to add, please comment and let me know. Hopefully this list will help you, too!

  1. Perform the Nativity
  2. Read Luke 2
  3. Read Luke 2 while a candle burns brightly in a piece of birthday cake. When the reading is over, blow out the candles.
  4. Go see Christmas Lights throughout the town.
  5. Go iceskating or sledding as a family.
  6. Serve food at a soup kitchen.
  7. Go Caroling.
  8. Serve at a nursing home or care center.
  9. Find someone in need and deliver gifts on Christmas Eve.
  10. Deliver treats to tired employees at Grocery stores.
  11. Watch a holiday movie together.
  12. Open the first gift of Christmas...often, this seemed to be a family activity (movie, puzzle, or game) or pajamas.
  13. Hide the pickle. If you haven't heard of this tradition, check out my past blog about it. This also involves opening the First Gift of Christmas.
  14. Make Chex Mix together as a family.
  15. Deliver secret goodies to friends and neighbors.
  16. Write down the gift you would give to the Christ Child...a sacrifice you'll make this year, a habit you will change, etc. Wrap it in a box and set aside for next year when you will open it and "give it to him".
  17. Make cookies for Santa.
  18. Sing Christmas Carols.
  19. Build a Fire in the fireplace.
  20. Read a special Christmas book as a family.
  21. Have a Bethlehem dinner. I know this is Sunny's tradition and wish I knew more about it, but it sounds like a great day to remind us of the First Christmas.

The one thing I noticed is that everyone's traditions is centered around family. Whatever you and yours choose to do this holiday, I hope it is wonderful, happy, and bright for you. Wishing you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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A personalized video from Santa to your kids!

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Heidi

Technology is amazing! Did you know that now Santa can talk to kids from the North Pole? I was just informed of this last night from a friend of mine. Go to www.portablenorthpole.tv for a personalized 3 minute video from Santa to your child -- or even for an adult child!

This may be the coolest pre-Christmas thing on the internet! It's sure to make the magic of Christmas come alive for your child -- and perhaps for you too. 😉

Santa Clause Waving
Click here for a personalized video from Santa!

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Christmas Dinner Recipes

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Cheri

I'm going to take a break from the freezer meal plan for a bit and share some favorite Christmas dinner recipes that you might want to try out this holiday! I wish I had pictures, but alas, the recipes themselves will have to do.

PINEAPPLE FRUIT DIP

1 Tbs cornstarch
½ cup sugar
1 egg
½ cup pineapple (or pineapple mango, or pineapple orage) juice
1 cup whipped cream

Combine cornstarch and sugar in saucepan. Beat in egg. Add pineapple juice and stir in well. Heat over medium heat until bubbly. Remove from heat and cool either at room temperature or in an cool water bath. Add whipped cream and serve with fruit.

CHRISTMAS HAM PINEAPPLE GLAZE

1 cup brown sugar
1 Tbs cornstarch
1 small can crushed pineapple, undrained
1 Tbs mustard
2 Tbs lemon juice

Combine brown sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Mix well. Add pineapple. Heat over medium high heat until simmering. Add mustard and lemon juice. Simmer for 5 minutes. Serve warm over ham.

CHRISTMAS APPLE CIDER

8 cups apple juice or apple cider
¼ cup packed brown sugar
6 inches cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole cloves
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp grated orange peel

Combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve warm.

CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS PUNCH

1 can frozen cranberry juice concentrate
2 liters Sprite
Crushed ice
Limes, sliced
Fresh cranberries, if desired

Pour cranberry juice concentrate into punch bowl. Add Sprite and crushed ice. Put in lime slices and cranberries, for effect.

ORANGE EGG NOG

6 eggs (because of the risk of salmonella, it is best to use egg substitutes because they are pasteurized. 6 eggs is equivalent to 1 ½ cups.)
¼ cup sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ginger
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 12-oz. can frozen orange juice concentrate
1 quart vanilla ice cream
1 28-oz. bottle Ginger Ale, chilled
Nutmeg

Add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to eggs. Stir in orange juice. Cut ice cream into small cubs in a punch bowl. Pour in orange juice mixture and Ginger Ale. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

SALAD DE MAISON

2 heads romaine lettuce, torn into bite size pieces
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup coarsely grated Swiss cheese
2/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
¼ lb. bacon, cooked and diced
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
Salt and Pepper

DRESSING
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
¾ cup oil

In a salad bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, swiss cheese, almonds, and bacon. In a small separate bowl, combine dressing ingredients, except the oil. Beating continuously with a fork, slowly add oil in a stream. Let stand 3 hours. Toss with salad. Add Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper to taste, and croutons right before serving.

TWICE BAKED POTATOES

Evenly shaped, good sized potatoes
Oil
Butter or margarine
Sour cream
Chives or onion powder (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Shredded cheddar cheese
Paprika, for garnish

Use as many potatoes as you need to feed your crowd. Scrub the potatoes and lightly run the skin with oil. This keeps the skin soft and it won’t tear when cut. Bake at 350º for about 1 hour or until tender. (It is not recommended to microwave potatoes as they will shrivel and skins will not be as tough.) While still hot (use an oven mitt), cut the potatoes in half, lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the insides without splitting skin and put them into a bowl. Keep the shells.

Make mashed potatoes using any of the ingredients above. Season to taste. Add some milk if the mixture is too thick. Scoop filling back into the shells and top with cheese and paprika. Bake at 350º until cheese is melted and potatoes are heated through.

SWEET COOKED CARROTS

2 cups sliced baby carrots
1 cup water
2 Tbs butter
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 tsp parsley
1 tsp sugar

Bring water to a boil. Add carrots and cook 4-5 minutes or until crisp tender. Meanwhile, heat butter in a skillet. Drain carrots and add to butter. Add salt, pepper, parsley, and sugar. Stir well. Fry carrots for 5 minutes. Serve.

Have a very merry CHRISTmas! Enjoy the blessings of life, family, friends, and good food!

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Teachers Gift #3: Framed Christmas Tree Printable

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Kerri

Thank you, pinterest.com, for making my teacher gifts this year the simplest ever.
I'm coming to really {heart} you.

We gave this gift to the kindergarten teacher and the teachers at church. It was inexpensive and simple and practically perfect in every way.

A scripture quote in the shape of a Christmas tree and a bag of goodies. How did I do it? Well, the bag of goodies is pretty self-explanatory, though I filled it with my favorite new find -- Chocolate Covered Blueberries and pomegranates made by Brookside (available at Costco and our local Safeway store, hopefully yours too) and Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, made by hers truly, Five Real Mom, Cheri (see here).

Making the picture was awesomely simple. First I found the image on pinterest.com Here it is for you. Click to enlarge, then find the text above the image that says "full size 1280x1600" and click to bring up the full image. Then right click save it to your computer.

(original source)

Open a word document and insert the picture. Resize it to what you want. I did a 4x6 dimension. Print in color on cardstock.

For the mat, I bought gold glitter paper from the scrapbook section at Joanns (for 59 cents), and cut it to 5x7. Then I glued the Christmas tree directly on to the gold paper, put it in a $3 frame from Walmart, wrapped it, done.

And it looks so great on my mantle, too, as an 8x10.

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Holiday Birthdays

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Sunny

baby in a box under the tree

Did you ever give your kids a sibling for Christmas or their birthday? Do members of your family have birthdays on holidays or during the holiday season?

Out of my 5 kids, we've got a birthday just before Thanksgiving (but never on it), one at the beginning of December, and one the day after Christmas. My brother and sister-in-law have two small children and their birthdays are Valentine's Day and the day before that. In the family of 6 that I grew up in, we had 4 birthdays within 8 days, fortunately not during any major holidays.


I could go on, but won’t. I suppose you can name your own family members who came home in stockings or the mom served birthday cake to one child while in early stages of labor for another.

So you know you are in for years of shared birthday parties, weeks where leftover birthday cake is served with each meal, and presents that are for “your birthday and Christmas” followed by an entire year before getting another gift.

When you’re the parent, you’re in the position (at least with a new baby you are—you’ve only got a few years before you better have the pattern set or let the child be in control) to set precedents. But how do you know how it will work out in the years to come? You don’t, but here are some challenges we’ve had and ways we’ve dealt with them.

Our first child was born the day after Christmas. Christmas is a wonderful time to have a baby, as long as you're not trying to do everything else moms typically try to do at Christmas, too. But you can't help but spend some of that newborn holding time reflecting on the birth of our Savior. And the song "The Best Gift" has extra meaning for me.

We decided when he was very young to celebrate his half birthday (which, ironically, later turned out to be two days after our next child’s birthday). Presents and sweets the day after Christmas were too anticlimactic, and we wanted a chance to give him things to enjoy in the summer, too. Besides, as a mom, I didn’t feel like I could put Christmas on and put a birthday celebration on the next day in the way I would like. Some parts of growing older that come with specific ages still happen on his birthday, of course, like getting his driver’s license, but the cake and gifts and parties are in June. We opted him several times through the years if he would like to celebrate on his actual birthday, and he never has.

We still recognize his actual birthday, but we’ve developed our own tradition of going on that day as a family to see a movie in the theater (a rare treat for us) and letting him pick a place for us to eat out. This lets us recognize his special day while getting us out of the house (which feels great after a day all home in pajamas) and gets me out of the kitchen, which I have always spent way too many hours in by then. Some of the treats from stockings usually get eaten during the movie. I probably look forward to his birthday as much or more than he does.

Birthday Cake and Christmas Tree

Our other December birthday is early in the month, too far from the actual holiday to justify the half birthday thing. He offset the disadvantage of having his birthday during the holiday season by requesting that his birthday presents be put under the Christmas tree—and then on his birthday he gets to open them all! (Obviously, no Christmas presents are placed under the tree until after his birthday).

We also hang those two, extra wide stockings that they came home from the hospital in, courtesy of kind, anonymous souls, in a special place in our home as part of the Christmas decor.

stuck in the back of a van for her birthday

Really, kids often don’t know they are at a disadvantage unless someone tells them they are. When we pointed out the fun of spending her entire birthday in the back of the van squished between two big brothers driving to Grandma & Grandpa’s house for Thanksgiving, our daughter thought she was so lucky! (Your dream day, right?) Of course, she did get to open a present every couple of hours, and for dinner we went out to eat to celebrate, of course.

My birthday was the last of the 4 in the 8 day span while I grew up, but I never felt slighted. I always thought it was fun and that it made us a little unique. My mom always made each of our favorite cakes, and several of us did end up with weight issues, I don’t know if that’s related. I remember birthday parties and such, and I felt cherished. Of course, I don't remember thinking that it was probably a lot of work and perhaps stress for my mother. I don't think I'm as good at dealing with stress.

What do you do (or try to do) to help your holiday or shared birthday celebrations not be too taxing on mom, but make the child feel special?

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