Position: Mom

JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term team players needed for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work various hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in faraway cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This is for the rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated at least temporarily, until someone needs $5 to go skating. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, and embarrassed the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION: You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

Handprint Poems

When I was Very Small
Sometimes I might upset you
Just because I'm small
By leaving fingerprints of mine
On a table, chair or wall.
But everyday I grow a bit
And I'll be big one day
When all my tiny fingerprints
Have long been cleaned away
So keep these prints of my two Hands
To help you to recall
Just how big my fingers were
That time when I was small.
OR
I miss you when we're not together
I'm growing up so fast
See how big I've gotten
Since you saw me last?
As I grow, I'll change a lot,
The years will fly right by.
You'll wonder how I grew so quick
When and where and why?
So look upon this hand print plaque
That's hanging on your wall.
And memories will come back of me,

These Little Hands
These little hands can give a hug
Pat-a-cake or throw a ball
They put smudges on the wall
Because I'm only just so tall
They love to clap or hold your hand
Whenever you can play
But when I'm grown and far away
These little hands with you will stay

Dough Handprints

2 c of flour
1 c salt
1 c water
food coloring
ribbon
gold marker
wax paper

Add food coloring to the water. Mix all ingredients well, kneading until smooth. Dough should be pretty stiff, not soft or runny or it will fill with air bubbles when baking. Form dough into a ball, of about what you can enclose in your two hands, and form into a round smooth ball. Using a rolling pin with the dough on wax paper, roll out into as round of a circle as you can. Dough will be about 1/2 inch thick. Press your child's hand with fingers splayed into the dough. Depending on child's age, you will have to help and individually press their fingers. Make sure to press deep enough without going completely to the bottom. (When it bakes it tends to raise the handprint up.) Put on a cookie sheet. Use a chopstick or pencil, etc. to make two holes in the top about 1/2 inch apart. This will be used to string the ribbon through. Bake at 200 degrees for about 2-3 hours. Dough should be fairly hard but watch to see that it doesn't burn. When they are done and cooled, use a gold marker pen and write the child's name and date (year). Put the child's name on top and the year on bottom, if there is room. If not, put name on one side and year on one side. Tie a ribbon at the top to use as a loop to hang.

Gardener's Soap for Mom!

This is a great soap for washing up after gardening. The corn meal particles have a nice scrubbing affect to get the dirt off your hands, and it looks really cute packaged in it's own little flowerpot!

little clay flower pot (2 or 3 inch diameter)
4 oz. glycerin soap ("melt and pour" glycerin soap can be found at many craft stores-but you can use a bar of glycerin soap grated up)
1 T corn meal
1 T dried calendula petals (not absolutely necessary-but it looks nice!)
a few drops of essential oil- (I use lavender and sweet orange)

Cut an eight-inch square of plastic wrap and line the flowerpot by pushing the center down into pot. Make sure the plastic wrap comes up over the edges of the pot. You may want to use a rubber band to secure it there.

Grate the glycerin soap and melt in the top pan of a double boiler (or in a bowl over a pan of simmering water) Don't stir too vigorously or it will get too many air bubbles.***

When the soap has melted remove it from the heat and stir in the corn meal and calendula petals. Add the essential oils by the drop, as they are strong!

Pour the soap into the plastic-lined flowerpot and set it aside to harden. You can hurry this up by putting it in the refrigerator.

Once the soap has hardened remove the plastic wrap and put the soap in the flowerpot. Wrap the entire thing in plastic and tie with a ribbon. A silk flower tied into the ribbon or hot-glued on top would be a nice touch! It also looks nice if you insert a silk flower into the soap before it hardens completely so it looks like a plant growing in the pot! You could also paint the pot...even mud-colored fingerprints would be appropriate for this!

*** Melt and pour glycerin soap can also be melted in the microwave in 30-second intervals on high. Make sure you stir in between heatings.

Mother's Day Tea-Cup Candles

Making a tea cup candle is a fun gift for Mothers Day as well as a useful nostalgic decoration. Not only are teacup candles an easy craft to make but they are a unique way to recycle china cups! Second hand stores often have a wide variety of china for very reasonable prices. You will want to select a pattern that has a matching saucer or plate and inspect the piece for any cracks, chips or breaks. Clean and dry the pieces of china to prepare them for the wax.

Paraffin Wax or Gel Wax
Double Boiler
Tea Cup & Saucer
Hot Glue Gun
Wick
chopstick or pencil

You can make your candle from beeswax or paraffin wax. Gel candles are also charming in teacup containers as well and have a slightly different process in working with this product. Gel wax burns 4-6 times slower than paraffin wax and needs to be melted with direct heat. You will also want to choose a wick one size larger than you would be choosing for paraffin candles. You would need to hold the candle upside down when trimming the wick, so the left over wick does not get into the smooth wax surface.

If you choose to use Paraffin wax to make your candle you'll find paraffin is easy to work with. To speed up the melting process pre-cut your pieces of wax. To pour the wax into a permanent mold as we are in this craft, the temperature of the melted wax should be between 180 and 200 F. Because the teacup is a permanent container, there is very little prep work required. While the wax is melting you can prepare the wick. Wicks come in different types and diameters. You can determine the size of wick needed by choosing one size higher for each 2 inches of your tea cup diameter. This will ensure a long burning candle while reducing drip and the amount of smoke released from the candle. Wick is available at crafting and hobby stores and in most cases the number on the package correlates with how large the wick diameter will be.

There are several types of wick to choose from as well. It is suggested that you avoid purchasing wick with a paper core, as they tend to smoke more than a metal core wick. After choosing a wick, measure the depth of your teacup and add about 3 inches. This should give you enough wick to tie the end of it around a square chopstick, pencil or tongue depressor. Tying the wick with this method will allow you to center the wick in the middle of the candle while the wax is setting up. When your teacup is ready and your wax is melted, you can add color chips and stir into the melted wax. (You can also use shredded crayon to color your wax) This is also the opportunity to add any scented oils you prefer. The scent should be added last so that it will not dissipate or be burned in the heat. Wax may shrink a little so under fill, wait a few minutes till it begins to harden and add more wax to the teacup. Don't forget to trim your wick short after the wax is cool.

When the wax is completely cool, use a hot glue gun to secure the teacup to the china saucer or plate. This will give your candle a steady base and complete the look of the teacup!

M-O-T-H-E-R

"M" is for the million things she gave me,
"O" means only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her heart of purest gold;
"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,
"R" means right, and right she'll always be,
Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER,"
A word that means the world to me.

Candy Gram To Mom

Mom-
(Starbust) in the (Milkyway) to proclaim my love for you! We've been through (Mounds) of (Rocky Road)s, each time you have been my (Lifesaver). If I had (100 Grand) I'd take you on a shopping (Spree) to New (York) City on (5th Avenue). Some say you're a (Shock Tart) (Snickers), but I think you're a (Sweet Tart)! Have a (Carefree) day!
(Dove) (your name here)

Mom's Care Package

A STICK OF GUM - to remind you to stick with it.
A CANDLE - to give you light when you feel burned out.
A CHOCOLATE KISS - to remind you that someone cares.
SMARTIES - to help you on days when you don't feel so smart.
LIFESAVER - to remind you that everyone needs help once in a while.
A SNICKER - to remind you to see the funny side -- there is one!
A ROSE - to remind you to take time to smell the flowers.
CONFETTI - to help you celebrate the good times.
A PENNY - with thanks for sharing your thoughts.
A BAG - to help you keep it all together.

M O M ' S D A Y D I N N E R M E N U

=====================================

Raspberry Croissant Appetizers

4 croissants
1/4 c raspberry preserves
4 one-ounce slices Muenster cheese
1 T butter

Slice croissants in half and evenly spread the preserves on the cut sides of the croissants. Place a slice of cheese over the preserves on the croissant bottoms and replace the tops. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat and place the croissants upside down in the skillet. Cook until golden and the cheese has melted, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove and cut in half. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar if desired. Serve on a pretty plate before dinner.


Raspberry Chicken

2 t vegetable oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
1/4 c seedless raspberry jam
2 T orange juice

Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. If desired, season chicken with salt and pepper; add to skillet. Cook 10 to 12 minutes or until chicken is tender and juices run clear, turning once. Remove chicken to a platter. Add raspberry jam and orange juice to the pan. Stir until jam is melted. Bring to a boil. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Spoon sauce over chicken.


Chunky Coleslaw

1 head cabbage, shredded
1/2 c carrots, shredded
1/2 c cream
1/3 c sugar
2 1/2 T cider vinegar
Dash cayenne pepper

In large bowl, combine cabbage and carrots. In small bowl, combine cream, sugar and vinegar; stir until sugar dissolves. Pour over cabbage and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. It's pretty to add some red cabbage instead of all green.


Creamy Potato Casserole

7 potatoes, peeled and grated
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 c melted butter
1 1/2 c grated Cheddar cheese
2 c sour cream
1/2 onion, grated
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
bread crumbs

Combine chicken soup, butter, cheese, sour cream and onion. Add to the grated potatoes along with the salt and pepper. Top with the breadcrumbs. Place in a greased 8x8-inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives or green onions.

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

2 eggs
2 sticks butter
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c flour
1 t vanilla
1 c semisweet chocolate chips
1 c chopped pecans
1 9-inch pie shell

Combine sugar, brown sugar, vanilla and butter. Add eggs. Add flour. Fold in chips and pecans. Pour into pie shell. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Garnish with more pecans if desired or place a dollop of whip cream on each serving.

Easy Coconut Pie

1/2 c flour
3/4 c sugar
1 c milk
1 c whipping cream
1/4 c (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
1 T vanilla extract
1/4 t salt
2 c lightly packed, sweetened shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine and mix well the flour, sugar, milk, whipping cream, eggs, butter, vanilla and salt. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the top of the pie with the coconut and push it down into the liquid with the back of a spoon. Bake on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, until the middle is set and the coconut is slightly browned. Cool to room temperature on rack, then refrigerate until well-chilled, about 2 hours. Serve the same day. Top with toasted coconut if desired.

Mint Nut Bread

2 1/2 c flour
1 c firmly packed brown sugar
3 1/2 t baking powder
3 T oil
3/4 c apple juice
3/4 c milk
1 egg
1 c chopped walnuts
1 c chopped fresh mint

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix the flour, sugar, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together the oil, milk, and egg. Blend the mixtures together. Add the walnuts and mint. Bake in greased bread pans in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Cool and slice. Ages and freezes well.

Rosemary Fruit Punch

46-oz. can pineapple juice
1/2 c sugar
5 t fresh rosemary
1 1/2 c lemon juice
1 liter bottle pale-dry ginger ale
2 c water
Fresh lemon slices and fresh sprigs of rosemary

Make a concentrate by bringing to a boil 1 c of the pineapple juice, the sugar, and rosemary. Decrease heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Strain and cool. To serve, add the concentrate to the remaining pineapple juice, the lemon juice, and water. Pour into a punch bowl over ice and add the ginger ale. Float fresh lemon slices and rosemary sprigs on top. Serves 16

Simple Breakfast Ideas

Pancakes, waffles or French Toast are simple to fix, and serve. Even if the kids make the pre-made varieties they can be spruced up with these toppings:

Flavored Syrup: Start with 2 c of syrup and the grated rind of half an orange and 1/3 c orange juice; or 1/3 c orange juice and 1 t ground ginger. You can also add 2 T lemon juice and the grated rind of half a lemon.

Fruit Sauce: Place 2 T of water in a small pan. Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries to the pan. Cook, partially covered, until the juice is released. Add a little sugar and lemon juice to taste. Serve as a topping!

Apple Banana Topping: Slice 1 small apple and 1 banana. Melt 2 T of butter in a skillet. Cook the fruit until it's soft. Serve it over the pancakes or waffles and top with maple syrup or confectioners' sugar if desired.

Very Simple Toppings: Heat any flavor of pie filling in a microwave safe bowl until warm and serve. Sprinkle the pancakes, waffles or French Toast with chopped nuts and berries, then top with syrup.

Pecan Pancakes

1-1/2 c skim milk
2 T butter or margarine, melted
2 t vanilla extract
1 c all-purpose flour
2 T sugar
1 t baking powder
1/4 t salt
1/8 t ground cinnamon
1 c cooked rice, cooled
1/3 c pecans, chopped
4 egg whites, stiffly beaten
cooking spray
Maple syrup (optional)

Combine milk, margarine, vanilla, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon in large bowl; stir until smooth. Stir in rice and pecans. Fold in beaten egg whites. Pour scant 1/4 cup batter onto hot griddle that has been coated with cooking spray over medium heat until bubbles form on top and underside is lightly browned. Turn to brown other side. Serve warm with syrup. Makes 6 servings.

Potatoes and Eggs

2 c mashed potatoes
1 egg
1/4 c grated cheese
1/2 t onion powder
4 eggs (additional)
salt and pepper to taste
fresh chives

Blend mashed potatoes, egg, cheese, and onion juice Shape into 4 balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Make an indentation in the center of each ball; break an egg into each potato "nest". Season with salt and pepper. Bake 325 degrees for 20 minutes or until eggs are firm. Serves 4. Before serving sprinkle with fresh chives.

Mother's Day Card

craft foam
construction paper
pen
glue

Cut flowers and the stems out of foam or construction paper. Glue the stems to the flowers. Cut a pot out of construction paper. Fold a full size piece of paper in half and write a Mother's Day message inside. On the front glue the pot. Putting the glue only on the edges on the bottom and sides. On the back of the flowers, write in a chore that you would be willing to do for your mom. Put the flowers into the pot on the front of the card and give to mom.

THE MOTHER BEHIND MOTHER'S DAY

The story behind Ana Jarvis's mother, one Anna Maria Reeves Jarvis, is just as interesting than the story of Mother's Day itself. The elder Mrs. Jarvis organized a series of "Mother's Work Camps" in West Virginia to improve health and sanitary conditions before the civil war. During the war she declared neutrality for her organizations and regularly aided soldiers in need on both sides of the struggle.

THE HISTORY OF MOTHERS DAY

The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece, honoring Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. The Romans called their version of the event the Hilaria, and celebrated on the Ides of March by making offerings in the temple of Cybele, the mother of the Gods. Early Christians celebrated the festival on the fourth Sunday of Lent in honor of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ.

In more recent times, relatively speaking -- England in the 1600s--the celebration was expanded to include all mothers with "Mothering Sunday" being celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent. Besides attending church services in honor of the Virgin Mary, children returned home from the cities with gifts, flowers, and special Mothering Day cakes that were important parts of the celebration.

Mother's Day festivities in the United States date back to 1872 when Julia Ward Howe (her other claim to fame was writing the lyrics for the "Battle Hymn of the Republic") suggested the day be dedicated to peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Massachusetts every year.

In 1907, Ana Jarvis, a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania school teacher, furthered the cause by beginning a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, which happened to be on the 2nd Sunday of May that year. By the following year, Mother's Day was also being celebrated in Philadelphia.

Not content to rest on her laurels, Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessman, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day and in 1912, the Mother's Day International Association was incorporated for the purpose of promoting the day and its observance. 1911 celebrated Mother's Day celebrated in almost every state in the nation. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made it official by proclaiming Mother's Day a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

It is somewhat ironic that after all her efforts, Ana Jarvis ended up growing bitter over what she perceived as the corruption of the holiday she created. She abhorred the commercialization of the holiday and grew so enraged by it that she filed a lawsuit to stop a 1923 Mother's Day festival and was even arrested for disturbing the peace at a war mothers' convention where women sold white carnations -- Jarvis' symbol for mothers -- to raise money.

Ana Jarvis' story is not a happy one. Things went from bad to worse and she eventually lost everything and everyone that was close to her and died alone in a sanatorium in 1948. Shortly before her death, Jarvis told a reporter she was sorry she had ever started Mother's Day.

Ana may be gone, but Mother's Day lives on, regardless of whether it meets her approval. Many countries throughout the world celebrate Mother's Day at various times throughout the year, but some such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May.