Strawberry Cream Cheese Tart
Servings: 10-12
Skills: Beginning
Prep Time: 30 min (not including thaw time)
Bake Time: 15 min

Ingredients
9 Rhodes™ Dinner Rolls, thawed to room temperature
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-4 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Instructions
Spray counter lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Combine rolls together and roll into an 11×16 inch rectangle. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest 10-15 minutes. Remove wrap and place dough on a sprayed 10×15 inch baking sheet. Poke with a fork several times to prevent bubbles from forming. Bake at 350°F
10-15 minutes. Remove from oven to cool. Combine cream cheese, chopped strawberries, sugar and vanilla until creamy. Spread over cooled crust. Top with sliced strawberries.

I came across an activity that Kimberlee Woodward, a teacher in Michigan, used in her classroom that I thought would be fun for a family reunion or a family gathering. Each person has 3-5 different-colored paper strips on which they write a different talent. They create a mini paper chain by linking their talent strips together. Now, get the whole group together and taking turns, each person reads their talents. Link the individual chains together using extra strips of paper. Now you have one long chain. Talk about what the chain demonstrates. For example: All our family members have talents. If we help and support each other we can accomplish more. We’re a stronger family when each individual is willing to share their talents.

Logan and I had a fun time at Wheeler Farm. There were new piglets that he got to pet.

He loved climbing on the old tractors.

And as always there’s a fun craft project. Logan loves to create things from wood and then paint them.

This is an easy & inexpensive lunch or snack idea.

Rainbow Wrap Sandwiches
You’ll need:
4 10-inch flour tortillas (assorted flavors & colors)
4 tablespoons mustard
1/2 pound thinly sliced deli meat (about 8 slices)
8 slices cheese
Directions:
Spread each tortilla with mustard.
Layer meat and cheese on top of tortillas, dividing evenly.
Roll up tortillas, jelly-roll style. Cut into thirds.
This idea came from French’s Foods
Variations:
Spread with cream cheese in place of mustard, add onions, lettuce, or add mayonnaise.

This is an easy gift idea for fathers made from a CD cover.

Find a CD cover that you’re not using. I have several because I have a special case in my car to hold my CDs.

Trace paper to fit inside then decorate with photos, stickers and markers. Be sure to write a special message. Slide the decorated paper into the cover. You may need to use some clear tape to hold the paper.

Dad can display this on his desk at work or someplace that he can see it often.

This is fun and easy all year long but it can also be used as a Father’s Day card.
All you need is a rectangle shape piece of paper and a pencil. You can make your house as large or as small as you like depending on the size of paper. Have your child fold the paper into a house. They may need your help. Read a story about families or traditions and then have your child write or draw pictures inside the house, about a special family activity or tradition. Stand it up to display. You can also use stickers that represent a family activity or tradition.
Download Directions for House

5 Ideas for making excursions to museums or historical sites more fun for kids:

1. Realize that you may need to spend just a short time in each area. If your child seems interested stay longer, if not move on quickly.

2. Before you go, make a list of things for the children to look for (number of steps, the colors in a specific painting, number of clocks, etc.). Then they will be challenged to find all the answers.

3. Choose places to visit that have a child’s room and have them compare it to their room.

4. Be sure to get a brochure of the site or museum you visit and when you get home, make a game similar to Monopoly. Create a simple game board by cutting out pictures and gluing them on paper. You could also play a guessing game like “I’m thinking of….” If you have two brochures you can cut out duplicate pictures and make a matching game.

5. Take a photo of you and your child, glue on a paper and each of you write about the visit. You could put it in an inexpensive frame as a keepsake.

>Kimball had his special day with me and we did lots of fun things.

We went to the park, to Wheeler Farm, we painted, and played. Then he wrote a story about all the things we did to share with his family.

Deviled eggs are great for family or neighborhood parties. They are easy and inexpensive to make.

Basic Deviled Eggs
You’ll need:
12 large eggs
Ice water
6 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons mustard
Salt and black pepper
Paprika, for dusting

Directions:
1. In a large pot, arrange the eggs in a single layer and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 10 minutes. Drain, then cover the eggs with ice water. Let stand until cool to the touch.
2. Peel the eggs, halve lengthwise and scoop the yolks into a medium bowl. Mash the yolks with the mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves and dust with paprika.

Variations:
Add chopped red onions, chopped sweet or dill pickles, chopped green or red peppers.

Print out an ice cream cone pattern for each family member. Each person cuts out the single scoop ice cream cone and writes their name as shown in the picture. Put the cones on the refridgertor or a bulletin board so everyone can see them. Cut out the remaining scoops and put them in a place that is accessible to all members of the family. When a member of the family catches someone doing a good deed, write the deed on an ice cream scoop and attach it to their cone. Watch the ice cream cone get taller and taller as good deeds are being done.
Download Ice Cream Cone