It’s always a surprise finding out what sort of Mothers Day gift they’ll decide on each year.

I love the homemade gifts because those are the ones made with love.

I also love anything that I get to put in my kitchen or dining room…since I spend so much time in those rooms. Decor that reminds me of my precious ones is what I love best. In fact, if you take a wander around my home, I can tell you exactly who gave me every trinket and knickknack over the years.

Framed art, candles, country decor, photos…I’m not that hard to please and my family seems to have fun picking out interesting gifts. In fact, I have a pencil mug sitting on my desk with a picture of two of my grandchildren on it. It’s one of my favorite Mother’s Day gifts!

It’s time to start thinking about Easter gifts if you celebrate Easter. We do not celebrate Easter…instead we keep the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread. These holy days have some similarities to the Easter holiday, but they are distinctively different also.

So, if Easter baskets are a part of your spring tradition, it might make sense to start planning just what exactly you will be tucking into each basket. There are many different ways you can create and assemble Easter gift baskets…whether you’re creating baskets for youngsters or friends and family that are young at heart. Get a little creative and tuck some unusual and fun items into the baskets!

Whatever you decide to do…make it fun and memorable! Your recipients will long remember the baskets you give and you’ll have fun giving them to your loved ones.

What with cleaning, organizing, shopping and cooking on top of school and work…well, it’s a wonder I’m still here to tell you about it! Thankfully, I have lots of help!

Anyway, lots of work, lots of food, lots of fun. The house is put back to order again. I can’t believe the wreckage that one day with extended family in the house can do to order! I swear they reach every nook and cranny of the house! If we had trade show booth displays, they’d probably even get at those! I love every minute of it though, and it’s so worth it. I wouldn’t trade one second!

Hope you had a blessed holiday!

I tend to gravitate toward healthy, whole cooking and eating. Thanksgiving is also wonderful because the foods are old-fashioned and usually whole foods. Turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, corn, stuffing, cranberries, pies…everything on this list is easily prepared with healthy, whole methods.

I use whole wheat bread in my stuffing. I make sweet potatoes using maple syrup and unusual spices. I make mashed potatoes using organic potatoes, raw cream and butter made from raw cream. My vegetables are organic, my cranberries are honey-sweetened and my pies…well…they’re a meal all their own. I usually make four or five different ones and each one is sweetened naturally.

We’re expecting 20 this year and I absolutely cannot wait! With our growing family, we may add new ones every year from here on out!