St. Patrick's Day dinner . . . .

 It is a tradition in our house to have corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day.  It probably is my favorite meal . . . I really should make it more often.  I was actually going to make it for Christmas this past year, but for some reason decided on something else.  

So we celebrated St. Patrick's Day . . . 

. . . corned beef & cabbage, carrots, mashed potatoes, horseradish sauce, and homemade soda bread

. . . and even some footprints and gold candy left behind by a leprechaun for Charlotte.  

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

3 things . . . and corn beef & cabbage

March Photo Challenge - 3/17/15 . . . 3 Things.

These are the three Pandora charms that the all kids gave me for my birthday.  The purple heart represent February . . . Jake picked out the cross - he is very aware of his mother's faith, and Luke chose the Lucky Cat - he knows what I like.  The bracelet is very special to me.

It wouldn't be St. Patrick's Day without corn beef and cabbage.  It is always such a great meal.  Luke added a new salad to the menu this year consisting of cabbage, oven roasted potatoes and carrots and a spicy mustard dressing.  It was delicious . . . we will definitely be making it again next year.  

. . . mashed potatoes, horseradish sauce, soda bread, and a delicious pastry that Jennifer brought for dessert.  As usual, I ask myself . . . why do we only make this meal only once a year?

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

Kiss Me - I'm Irish!

Our St. Patrick's Day tradition is to make corned beef and cabbage . . . along with everything that goes with it.  Usually we have a house full of people when we cook this meal, but this year it was just Richard and I.  It was fun . . . and the food was delicious.  Richard was home today - so he put the corned beef on early and even baked a green cake (from scratch).  We had mashed potatoes, carrots, homemade soda bread, and  horseradish sauce . . . For dessert - Richard's green PEACE cake and Irish Coffee. 

If you're enough lucky to be Irish,

you're lucky enough!

some green, a little pink, and some sidewalk chalk . . .

 PEACE ~ LOVE ~ PLANET

We had some weekend family fun . . . with grandpa getting creative with the sidewalk chalk.  Owen and Charlotte found that drawing, throwing the chalk, and tasting the chalk are all fun activities.  I love watching Richard with the kids.  I tease him that I know he is a good man, because kids and dogs love him. 

Monday morning . . . St. Patrick's Day . . . of course our crossing guards are dressed for the occasion.  Tonight . . . corned beef and cabbage. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Shabby Charlotte Doll - Kate O'Shabby

Kate O’Shabby is as friendly as they come and very lucky. She is very proud that she is Irish and not only is green her favorite color – it is the only color that she will wear. She believes in leprechauns and sets traps for them every St. Patrick’s Day. She loves to be outdoors and is always on the lookout for lucky four leaf clovers . . . but she really believes that a person makes their own luck. Although it can’t hurt to keep her close to you . . . so maybe some of her luck rubs off on you.

It has been awhile since I have had a doll for sale on ETSY - I have been selling them - but to people local - so I haven't been getting any listed in my shop clarehelen  I decided I had to get an Irish doll listed for St. Patrick's Day.  I had hoped to have it listed before now . . . but life has been busy. 

I have some other things I really want to post about . . . some wonderful flying pigs that arrived in the mail earlier this week and a funny story involving some old suitcases that I bought at an antique store.  I will try to get those posts done tomorrow.  I also am behind on my list challenges - but I will try to get back to that next week.

Gotta Be Silly

If there is one thing I have learned as I have passed the age of 50 . . . It is important to laugh and have fun - and for God's sake . . . BE SILLY!

How great is this chair!!!!

And if you see two "Get Lucky" hats sitting next to the Irish beer display at the grocery store . . . of course you have to stop and take a picture.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

In reality . . . if there was a leprechaun on Richard's shoulder - they would be deciding where to go have a beer.

May your blessings outnumber

The shamrocks that grow,

And may trouble avoid you

Wherever you go.

~Irish Blessing

My Favorite Color

Someone hid some shamrock candy inside this big green bow . . . My kids used to believe in leprechauns when they were small . . . maybe they were right. : )

I may have to post a lot of green this month . . . it is my favorite color.

"Green is the prime color of the world, and that from which its loveliness arises."

~ Pedro Calderon de la Barca

Makes Me Smile!

Luke and Abbie - I guess I succeeded in teaching him that it is ok to be silly. I love this about him. He sent me this picture yesterday - to wish me a Happy St. Patrick's day!

"Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans -

it's lovely to be silly at the right moment."

~ Horace

St. Patrick's Day

I had to put the green feather boa to use on St. Patrick's Day. I made everyone take a picture with it on. Some were more willing than others. Richard of course was willing
Jake and Kasey. I think they are so cute.
Luke - obviously very willing. Never one to be shy.
Luke's girlfriend Kim. She is so cute.
Josh and Jennifer.

It was a great St. Patrick's day - Corned Beef/cabbage, soda bread, mashed potatoes. It is one of my favorite meals to make and everything was delicious. Mom told me that my grandma always made green bread on St. Pat's day - so I also made one of my loaves of bread green. It was a fun night. Brent and Ashley, Sarah, Nataleigh, and our friend and neighbor Michelle were also here. I love it when the house is full and everyone is laughing and having fun.

If you're enough lucky to be Irish, you're lucky enough! ~Irish Saying

St. Patrick's Day

What would St. Patrick's Day be without corned beef and cabbage with potatoes, soda bread, and of course a mug of cold beer. I don't know why I only make that meal on St. Patrick's Day. We all love it - Richard especially. Sort of a quiet day. Richard and I went to a cigar store for a show or whatever they call it. They have a salesman there - everyone gets a free cigar - food, wine, and beer. I really enjoy going - although we usually don't know too many people there. Richard always runs into someone he knows - of course. But it was a nice afternoon. The weather was great and then I get to pick out a couple of flavored cigars. I have somehow gotten myself enjoying them. I am so against smoking - yet here I am lighting up flavored cigar on Saturday night. I tried a Kahlua one last night which I wasn't sure I was going to like - it was good though. This is new bad habit for me so I am trying different ones to find out what I like. My favorite has to be this raspberry/champagne with a vanilla flavored tip.
"If you are lucky enough to be Irish, then you are lucky enough."