Happy St. Patty's Day. Except that we celebrated it yesterday at our house? Why? Because for some reason I thought yesterday was St. Patty's and it wasn't until Matt came home (in his green shirt) at lunchtime that he informed me, "Uhhh, you know it's tomorrow, right?"
"No, but thanks for the update..."
Anyway, the corned beef was already in the crock pot, guests had been invited to dinner and Irish-day activities were already in the works.
Here's a glimpse of the green stuff that went on at our house yesterday...
Anne's friend Annalise was over yesterday so I made green aprons for the girls.
We learned about St. Patrick and how he is credited with bring Christianity to Ireland. It is also said that he used shamrocks to teach about the Holy Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit. So we made some shamrock cards using a potato stamp illustrating this lesson.
I used a small heart cookie cut, pressed it into the potato and then cut around it with a knife.
Then, we worked together to make a paper chain rainbow. Remember what rainbows represent? God's promise to never flood the earth again.
I hung the chains from the ceiling above the bar and draped them down into the pot of gold we made out of an old oatmeal container and construction paper. I had some gold star wire that we used for the treasure.
Next, the Irish food. We had some friend over the traditional fare: corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots. The girls also helped me make Irish soda bread.
This is Anne doning her new apron. She is "cutting" the butter into the flour.
We also ate some green cookies. Anne and I made these sugar cookies on Saturday.
The girls got to eat dinner at their own little green-themed table.
You go girl!! Man, I wish I was there to join in the festivities. You are so creative with your kids. I wish I had an ounce of that with mine. I need to get them more involved with what I do daily!! I LOVE the rainbow and pot of gold.
Posted by: Kristen | March 17, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Wow! You are awesome at teaching your children God's truths with such fun and simple ideas! How clever and such fun ideas! Thank you too for explaining a little bit of history behind the day. My almost 4 year old asked me why we celebrate St. Patty's Day and I couldn't really give her a good enough answer! Thanks!
Posted by: Julie Durham | March 17, 2009 at 11:34 AM
When you posted yesterday about making the Irish Bread on FB I wondered...I even checked my calendar! I thought is was weird bc my bday was Sunday the 15th and I knew it was only Monday...My soda bread, technically brown bread, is in the oven as I type.
Posted by: kimberly | March 17, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Janna...I think you are AWESOME! Love your pics and your ideas.
Posted by: Meredith | March 17, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Sounds like a fun-filled day. I bet the girls had a wonderful time. Everything looked so festive. Wish I was there to join in the fun.
Posted by: Mom | March 17, 2009 at 11:55 AM
So creative! :)
Posted by: Ashley | March 17, 2009 at 01:33 PM
I'm trying a second loaf of Irish Soda Bread now. I noticed yours looks like it has raisins in it. Is it a sweet bread?
Posted by: kimberly | March 17, 2009 at 02:47 PM
You exhaust me! It is all fabulous:)
Posted by: angela | March 17, 2009 at 05:30 PM
I love that printable little Lucky from cereal! Where did you find that?? I searched, but couldn't find him.
Posted by: Andrea | March 17, 2009 at 06:01 PM
I love the cards you made!! You are a printers daughter. Did the lerechauns visit the kids rooms during the night? The bread looks very good. Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Love, Dad
Posted by: Kelvin Perrien | March 17, 2009 at 09:04 PM
I love the arts and crafts decorations you did with your kiddos. What a good way to share time with them about the Lord as well. I loved the NY pictures. It made me seriously covet your trip. hee-hee. No really, what a wonderful birthday trip. ~Blessings!
Posted by: Tiffany | March 17, 2009 at 09:44 PM
Dang, girl! How do you do it? I'm going to have to remember this for next year. Maybe you could start celebrating all of your holidays a week early in order to give the rest of us a chance. Whaddya think? All day long Emma kept saying, "We have to find the leprechaun!" I was clueless. At the last minute, I whipped out the green food coloring and made our potatoes green. Weak.
You are AWESOME!!!!!!!
Posted by: Angie | March 18, 2009 at 12:15 AM