Category — July 4th

It seems that we are bombarded by newspapers, magazines, television, and radio with all that is wrong with America. How about this July Fourth make a Top Ten List of what is great about America.
Here is mine
10. I was able to go to college and choose my profession.
9. I have a home that provides protection.
8. I am able to have a driver’s license and drive.
7. I am able to voice my opinion without fear of being jailed.
6. I am able to vote for the candidate of my choice.
5. I have a voice in what happens in my community.
4. My dreams are not limited by anyone but me.
3. I am able to have a family and share their lives.
2. I am able to worship the God of my choice.
1. I have the freedom to make choices about my life.

I seemed to be obsessed with recycling. My grown children often make fun of me about it. I get excited when I can use something I already have to make something new. But that also means saving stuff (or junk as some like to refer to it). Well, I used some of that stuff to make this paper plate shaker. The left over paper plates from a New Year’s Day celebration and ribbons from various different gifts I have received over the year. You can have your children and grandchildren make a shaker then sing songs together. It would be fun to make then at a family reunion, neighborhood, church, or community party and have a parade.

You’ll need:
2 paper plates for each shaker (I used the small ones because they are easier to hold onto and you don’t need as many beans.)
Ribbons, crepe paper or other items for decorating
Markers, paint or crayons
Stapler
Beans

Directions:
1. Decorate the outside of the paper plates
2. As you begin to staple around the edge add your decorations
3. When you are near the end fill your shaker with beans
4. Then finish stapling making sure you have stapled close enough so the beans don’t fall out

You can serve these lollipops and other snack at your 4th of July celebration or any other summer activity. They can even be used as a centerpiece.
I found the idea in Rebook Magazine then used ingredients I had on hand. Choose the foods you and your family like.
I used:
cherry tomatoes
avocado
olives
strawberries
blueberries
cottage cheese
Triscuits
Other ideas:
cream cheese
cheese squares
pineapple chunks
The possibilities are endless.

tomatoes, avocado, olives

strawberries, blueberries, cottage cheese

Triscuits, cottage cheese, strawberries, blueberries

Your kids or grandkids can make these
FUN NAPKIN RINGS for a family Independence Day celebration.

You can make this simple star garland to decorate your table, door or banister for your 4th of July celebration. Your kids and grandkids can help.
You’ll need:
String or yarn
Paper stars of various colors (you can buy them, cut them yourself or use a dye-cut)
Directions:
1. Decide how long you want your garland and cut the string.
2. Arrange the stars on the string.
3. To glue the stars apply glue on 2 stars then put them together like a sandwich with the string in the middle.

These songs are sung to familiar tunes so you don’t need a piano. What a great activity for a family reunion or a neighborhood celebration. Get Songs

Flag Day Ideas

Download Firecracker Patterns and decorate with crayons, markers, glitter, etc.
You can write what America means to you in the spaces provided.
Cut out and glue around a cardboard tube (toilet paper, paper towel, foil) about 5 inches in height.
Make the tube look like a firecracker by gluing strips of color paper or foil on the inside of the tube. We added some flags and star bases to our firecrackers.

You can help your grandchildren learn and practice their measurement skills by having them make this special treat for a family party.

You will need:
2 sheets of ready-rolled puff pastry
1/3 C jam (any flavor)
1 C whipped cream
Confectioner’s sugar
Colored sprinkles
Large star cookie cutter
Non-stick baking paper

Preheat the oven to 350°
1. Cut stars from the pastry, using a large star cookie cutter. If you do not have a cookie cutter make a star pattern from cardboard and trace using a butter knife.
2. Line a baking tray with non-stick baking paper.
3. Place the pastry stars on the baking tray and prick them all over with a fork.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the stars are puffed and golden. Let cool.
5. Slice the stars in half horizontally and spread the bottom halves with jam and cream.
6. Put the tops back on and sandwich together. Dust with confectioner sugar and colored sprinkles.
Makes about 14 stars.