The first celebrations in honor of mothers were held in the spring in ancient Greece. They paid tribute to Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 17th century, England honored mothers on "Mothering Sunday," celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent. In the United States, Julia Ward Howe suggested the idea of Mother's Day in 1872. In 1910, West Virginia became the first state to recognize Mother's Day. A year later, nearly every state officially marked the day. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed Mother's Day as a national holiday to be held on the second Sunday of May. Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia, who was never a mother herself, is credited with bringing about the official observance of Mother's Day. Her campaign to establish such a holiday began as a remembrance of her mother. She was distraught by the commercialism brought on by the holiday. She wanted it to be a day of sentiment. Today, because of and despite Jarvis' efforts, many celebrations of Mother's Days are held throughout the world. Although they do not all fall at the same time, mothers are honored on their very special holiday. We love being pampered on Mother's Day. Moms, grandmas and special ladies in our lives bask in the luxury bestowed upon us on Mother's Day.  As a young Mom, my daughter Laura would waken me by placing a flower adorned breakfast tray by my bedside. "Happy Mother's Day, Momma I brought you breakfast. You'll have to wait for daddy to make coffee. I do not know how to make it yet." Becca and Kenny would wake and join me on the bed, dad brought me coffee and I opened the gifts that were carefully chosen for me. I would start my special day feeling like a queen, then, on to visit Grandma and my aunt Gina, who did not have any children. She was the special lady in our life. Truly all mothers cherish their day, whether we are treated to an all day outing away from the kitchen or busily prepare a meal for our own mothers and our daughters, now mommas themselves. When day is done we all sit quietly, going over the events of the day. Once again we reread the lovely greeting cards we received, before lovingly placing them in that special place where we keep our souvenirs. Celebrate, along with me, Mother's Day!      Lost Some Memory I think I've lost some memory since Miranda was born I don't remember sleeping late on a lazy Sunday morn. I don't remember quiet dinners with candlelight and wine. Or getting up and ready for work and making it there on time. I don't remember summer days just lounging on the beach And those memories of "girls' night out" are somehow out of reach. I don't remember long warm baths with bubbles and a good book Or my favorite TV program or a movie worth a look. I can't remember all those things I spent time on yesterday And I can't remember life being any other way. And as I lay her down at night and kiss this little girl I can't remember so much happiness, such love and joy in my world. (c) 1997 Juli All Rights Reserved Wonderful Mother God made a wonderful mother, A mother who never grows old; He made her smile of the sunshine, And He moulded her heart of pure gold; In her eyes He placed bright shining stars, In her cheeks fair roses you see; God made a wonderful mother, And He gave that dear mother to me. And Grandmas Too "While we honor all our mothers with words of love and praise. While we tell about their goodness and their kind and loving ways. We should also think of Grandma, she's a mother too, you see.... For she mothered my dear mother as my mother mothers me."~ Author Unknown~ My Mother's Famous Words still ring in my ear. Who do you think you are? Ask your father (closely followed by "Ask yourMother") Bored! How can you be bored? I was never bored atyour age. I'll treat you like an adult when you start acting like an adult! Don't you roll your eyes at me! Don't pick it, it'll get infected. I'm going to give you to the count to three. Don't put that thing in your mouth, you don't know where it's been. Wear clean underwear in case you get in an accident and have to go to hospital. Don't cross your eyes like that, one day they'll freezethat way I don't care who started it, I'll finish it! Don't EVER let me catch you doing that again! Your father is going to hear about THIS when he gets home! If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Do you think your clothes are going to pick themselves up? "I don't know" is NOT an answer! I know it's not fair. Life isn't fair. Mother's Hands Dear gentle hands have stroked my hair And cooled my brow, Soft hands that pressed me close And seemed to know somehow Those fleeting moods and erring thoughts That cloud me day, Which quickly melt beneath their suffrage And pass away. No other balm for earthly pain Is half so sure, No sweet caress as filled with love Nor half so pure. No other soul so close akin that understands, No touch that brings such perfect peace as Mother's hands. W. Dayton Wedgefarth Nobody knows of the work it makes To keep the home together. Nobody knows of the steps it takes, Nobody knows-but Mother." -Anonymous "Who is getting more pleasure from this rocking, the baby or me? -Nancy Thayer  "Making the decision to have a child-it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." -Elizabeth Stone "All I am or can be I owe to my angel Mother." -Abraham Lincoln "Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to 'jump at de sun.' We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground." -Zora Neale Hurston   "Who ran to help be when I fell, And would some pretty story tell, Or kiss the place to make it well? My Mother." -Ann Taylor  "That best academy, a mother's knee." -James Russell Lowell   Motherer my friend? I would have to say, first of all she is my Mother, with a capital 'M'; she's something sacred to me. I love her dearly...yes, she is also a good friend, someone I can talk openly with if I want to." -Sophia Loren "The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness." -Honore de Balzac "My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her." -George Washington "By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off. They are the great vacationless class." Anne Morrow Lindbergh "I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." -Abraham Lincoln The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother." -Author Unknown   A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials, heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine, desert us when troubles thicken around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. - Washington Irving Puffy Baked Apple Pancake Nonstick cooking spray 1/2 cup  evaporated milk 1/3 cup all-purpose baking mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided 3 large eggs, separated 2 tablespoons orange juice 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 medium apple, cored, quartered, and cut into thin slices 1 tablespoon cinnamon-sugar PREHEAT oven to 375° F. Spray 10-inch ovenproof skillet lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Place in oven for 10 minutes. PLACE evaporated milk, baking mix, 1 tablespoon sugar, egg yolks, orange juice and cinnamon in blender; blend until smooth. Beat egg whites in large mixer bowl until soft peaks form; gradually add remaining sugar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Fold milk mixture into egg whites. POUR batter into hot skillet. Gently push each apple slice about 1/2 inch into batter, peel side up, to form a spoke-like pattern around batter. Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until set. Serve immediately. Banana Sour Cream Waffles 4 servings         1 c  flour       1 ea. egg, separated     1/2 T  sugar       1 c  sour cream       1 t  baking powder     1/4 c  milk     1/4 t  baking soda     1/4 c  butter, melted     1/4 t  salt       1 ea. banana, mashed   Sift together dry ingredients. Set aside. Mix together beaten egg yolk, sour cream, milk, butter and banana. Add to flour mixture, mixing well. Fold in whipped egg white, and pour into oiled waffle iron or oiled pan. Cook each side until brown. Breakfast Casserole 4 servings   1 (10.75 ounce) can  condensed cream of chicken soup 1 (16 ounce) package sour cream 1 (2 pound) package frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed 1 cup cubed, cooked chicken meat 1 cup diced ham 1 onion, chopped 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup crushed potato chips 1/4 cup butter, melted Combine undiluted soup, sour cream, hash browns, cubed chicken, ham, onions, and cheese. Pour into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Top with crumbs, and drizzle with melted butter or margarine. Bake for another 15 minutes. Mock Champagne Makes 11 cups      4 cups carbonated water, chilled 4 cups ginger ale 3 cups unsweetened white grape juice In a large pitcher combine club soda, ginger ale and grape juice. Serve immediately over ice. Very Easy Fruit Salad 10 servings      1 pint strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced 1 pound seedless grapes, halved 3 kiwis, peeled and sliced 3 bananas, sliced 1 (21 ounce) can peach pie filling Combine fresh fruit in a large bowl. Gently mix in peaches. Chill. Southwestern Strata 6 servings You can easily assemble and refrigerate this flavorful dish the night before for easy preparation on Mothers Day. 4 cups firm white bread cubes 1 cup frozen yellow corn, thawed 1 cup shredded jalapeño Jack cheese 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, optional 6 large eggs 1 1/2 cups low-fat milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 large jar prepared salsa Grease a 9-inch square baking dish. In a large bowl, stir together the 4 cups bread cubes, 1 cup corn, 1 cup shredded cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro or parsley, if using. In a small bowl, beat together the 6 eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Pour the egg mixture over the bread cube mixture and stir to combine. Transfer to a greased baking dish, wrap tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake--several hours or overnight. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Uncover the baking dish and place it on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake the strata until it is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, 50 to 60 minutes. Cut the strata into 6 rectangles and serve with prepared salsa.  BLT Salad 6 servings pound bacon 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup milk 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper salt to taste 1 head romaine lettuce - rinsed, dried and shredded 2 large tomatoes, chopped 2 cups seasoned croutons Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat, turning frequently, until evenly browned. Drain, crumble and set aside. In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder and black pepper. Blend until smooth. Season the dressing with salt. Combine lettuce, tomatoes, bacon and croutons in a large salad bowl. Toss with dressing, and serve immediately. Lime Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Up to 6 servings   4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 1/2 cup mesquite-lime marinade 1/2 head lettuce, torn into small pieces 1 large tomato, cut into wedges 1/2 sweet onion, sliced 1 green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup large cheese and garlic croutons 1/2 cup creamy Caesar-style salad dressing In a shallow baking pan, arrange chicken and pour mesquite-lime marinade over all. Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 1/2 hour before grilling. Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to medium high heat. Grill chicken breasts for approximately 15 minutes on each side, or until meat is cooked through and is no longer pink inside. Remove from heat, cool and slice into strips. In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, tomato, onion, pepper, cheese, croutons, dressing and chicken until evenly coated. Serve immediately. California Salad Bowl 8 servings 1 avocado, peeled and pitted 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce 1/4 cup olive oil 1 clove garlic, peeled and minced 1/2 teaspoon salt   1 head romaine lettuce- rinsed, dried and torn into bite sized pieces 3 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded 2 tomatoes, diced 2 green onions, chopped 1/4 (2.25 ounce) can pitted green olives 1 cup coarsely crushed corn chips In a blender or food processor, mix avocado, lemon juice, mayonnaise, hot pepper sauce, olive oil, garlic, and salt. Process until smooth. In a large bowl, toss together romaine lettuce, Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, green onions, green olives, and corn chips. Toss with the avocado dressing mixture just before serving. Pork Sandwiches Barbecue Style 1 pound pork tenderloin 1 cup ketchup 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard 1 tablespoon molasses 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 2 hard rolls, such as Kaiser rolls Cut the pork tenderloin in half lengthwise and place one-half on your work surface; place a piece of plastic wrap over the top. With the bottom of a heavy skillet, lightly pound the tenderloin until 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the remaining half, then cut the tenderloins crosswise into 1/2-inch-wide strips. In a medium skillet, combine the 1 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons mustard, 1 tablespoon molasses, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Immediately reduce the heat and simmer 5 minutes. Add the pork strips to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes. Split the 2 hard rolls in half horizontally and toast the 4 halves in a toaster oven. Ravioli Pie 1 pound fresh or frozen mini ravioli 2 cups milk (1%) 2 tablespoons flour Salt and pepper Ground nutmeg to taste 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs 1 tablespoon butter Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Put 3 quarts water into a large saucepan, salt lightly, and cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the 1 pound mini ravioli, stir to separate, and cook 7 to 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain. Keep warm, if necessary. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring 1 1/2 cups of the milk to a simmer over moderately high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup milk and 2 tablespoons flour until smooth. Add the mixture to the simmering milk, whisking, and simmer over moderately low heat, whisking occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Spray a 9-inch pie plate or shallow baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange half the ravioli in the dish, spreading it out in one layer, pour over it half the sauce, and sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Make a second layer in the same manner with remaining ingredients. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top. Dot the top with the 1 tablespoon butter. Bake 10 minutes, until heated through. Roast Potatoes 4 servings      2 pounds red potatoes, cut into quarters 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (250 degrees C). Place potatoes in a large roasting pan and toss with oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary until evenly coated. Spread out potatoes in a single layer. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately. Oven Roasted Red Potatoes 8 servings 1 1/2 (1 ounce) packages dry onion soup mix 2 pounds red potatoes, halved 1/3 cup olive oil Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). In a large plastic bag, combine the soup mix, red potatoes and olive oil. Close bag, and shake until potatoes are fully covered. Pour potatoes into a medium baking dish; bake 40 minutes in the preheated oven, stirring occasionally Pan Fried Asparagus 4 servings      1/4 cup butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon coarse salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 3 cloves garlic, minced 15 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the olive oil salt and pepper. Saute garlic for a minute, but do not brown. Add asparagus to the pan, and saute for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, and turning asparagus occasionally to ensure even cooking. The asparagus are done when they are a dark golden color, wrinkled, and tender. Remove to a serving dish. Banana Split Cheesecake 1 -9x12 inch pan 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs 3/4 cup melted butter 4 cups confectioners' sugar 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained 3 medium bananas, quartered 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 8 maraschino cherries, halved 1/4 cup chocolate syrup 1/2 cup pecan halves Blend the melted butter or margarine with the graham crackers and press into the bottom of one 9x12 inch pan. Blend the confectioner's sugar and the cream cheese together until smooth. Spread over the graham cracker crumb layer. Layer the crushed pineapple and the bananas over the cream cheese layer. Then spread the whipped topping over the top. Decorate with maraschino cherry halves. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top and sprinkle with pecans. Chill for at least 4 hours then serve. Chocolate Raspberry Cloud 1 - 9 inch pie 1 1/2 cups finely crushed chocolate wafer cookies 3 tablespoons butter, melted 2 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup raspberry syrup 1 (9 ounce) package thin chocolate wafers 1/4 cup fresh raspberries (optional) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint leaves (optional) 1/8 cup semisweet chocolate curls (optional) To Make Crust: In a small bowl, mix together crushed cookies and melted butter. Press mixture into a 9 inch pie pan using your hands or the back of a spoon. Refrigerate until firm. To Make Filling: Whip 2 cups of cream until soft peaks form. Continue to whip while slowly adding sugar, followed by vanilla extract. Whip until stiff, then stir in 1/2 cup raspberry syrup. Spread a layer of whipped cream mixture 1/2 inch deep into bottom of pie crust. Cover with a layer of chocolate cookies. Cover with another 1/2 inch layer of whipped cream mixture, followed by more cookies. If desired, slightly overlap the cookies, dipping them in whipped cream mixture before placing them in pan. Continue alternating layers until cookies are gone, and finish with a layer of whipped cream mixture. Cover carefully. Refrigerate at least 12 hours before serving. Pie will keep up to 3 days. Just prior to serving, whip remaining 1/2 cup cream and cover pie with a fresh layer. If desired, garnish with fresh raspberries, mint leaves, and chocolate curls. Fruit Pizza 1 fruit pizza 1/2 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese 1/2 cup white sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large bowl, cream together the butter and 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Mix in egg. Combine the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Press dough into an ungreased pizza pan. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla until light. Spread on cooled crust. Arrange desired fruit on top of filling, and chill. EMail  Mary Comments are appreciated Send Mail to Mary  Back To My Index Page More Mail From Mary is a proud member of: Harmony-Editors More Mail From Mary copyrighted© 6/1/01 Graphics By Granstaxi1