Hope your day is going swell!
So the reason I couldn’t really write about my day yesterday is because Ben and I were out picking up Mother’s Day gifts! We weren’t “last minute” shopping either – the stuff we wanted to get for our moms could only be found at the Farmer’s Market, which is only open on Saturday mornings. Goodness gracious – it was even more crowded than last week! Here’s our loot:
For my mom:
1. “Pond weeds“! Two weeks ago when my mom and I went to the Farmer’s Market she saw some pussy willows branches that she really really liked and for some reason I convinced her not to buy them?? I’m not sure/can’t remember why – but I’m glad I did, because I picked her up a bunch of those plus some of these really cool, gnarly sticks to put together in a decorative arrangement!
2. Her very own puff pillow and cream horn from the Vander Ploeg Bakery (in Pella, IA) from the Farmer’s Market! She was in Dutch pastry heaven people!
3. (Not from the Farmer’s Market, but) a jar of crunchy Barney Butter! God bless my Mom. Seriously. I told you all how she and my dad convinced a local grocery store manager to order some cases of Barney Butter and when he did they bought me up a jar of crunchy and creamy. They didn’t even get one for themselves. THEN a couple weeks ago, my sister-in-law wanted to try some so bad that my mom picked HER up a jar. And still, didn’t get one for herself. She’s such a giver – I just love that about her. So, I decided it was high time the woman had her own jar! She was so pumped!
For Ben’s mom, we went to a vendor at the Market that makes these amazing iron’ish lawn and garden sculptures/planters. Ben’s parent’s have a beautiful garden and back deck/patio setting, so we bought his mom a really nice hanging planter that she can set a potted plant right into! We’re going to give it to her tonight when they come over to grill out!
For lunch & Mother’s Day celebration we were over at my brother and sister-in-laws house. My sister-in-law had “make your own” foil packets ready for us – genious!! She had an assortment of vegetables, baby corn, water chestnuts, chicken and potatoes which you layer on a long sheet of foil. Then you add in a couple dabs of butter, a couple ice cubes (to steam the veggies) and your own seasonings. Finally, you tightly seal the foil up and throw it on the grill for 20 minutes. These were SO good – an absolute hit with everyone. I need to steal this idea!!
Pre-cooked:
Cooked:
She also had out fresh berries and strawberry dip – delish:
I, of course, provided more sugar cookies for dessert! No sprinkles on these guys though. I was trying out icing recipes and just wanted them plain and simple!
This whole meal was healthy, easy and delicious!
Pics of the fam (minus my little bro, who was stuck in Chicago!)
We all had an absolutely great day and I know my mom loved being with the whole family. As she always says, it’s all she ever wants.
Happy Mother’s Day Mom, I couldn’t live without you and love you more than anything in the world!
I’m back at home now and am prepping for Ben’s parents to come over and grill out. Mother’s Day round 2 will begin shortly!
How sweet, what a great mother`s day! Love the foil packet idea too.
Aww, sounds like you had a great Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day Shirley! I love the family pics! Too bad Peeps wasn’t able to come. Your sugar cookies look amazing, and the foil thing looks fantastic! Keep up the good work.
P.S. If you’re looking for a new salad idea, combine lettuce with Newman’s Own Light Balsamic Vinegrette, garbanzo beans, croutons, onions, and sliced almonds. Grilled chicken if you wish. I had this for lunch today! But of course, you know me…had to finish it off with a handful of chocolate covered almonds that I purchased from some local elementary school fundraiser outside Hy-Vee.
Looks like such a fun day! Love those make-your-own packets, how fun! Your mom is adorable and those pastries look fabulous as do your sugar cookies (I can NEVER get mine to turn out that way, grrr!). Have a great evening, can’t wait to hear about Mother’s Day, Round 2!
Aw, your family is adorable! Looks like you had a wonderful day and even more to come tonight.
The “make your own foil packet” idea is genious! I can’t believe I have never seen this before. What a fun and clever way to cook out for a party.
I just found your blog and love it! I’m from Minneapolis and went to Luther College in Iowa for 2 years before transferring, so it’s fun to read a blog from the Midwest!
Those pastries look so yummy. I love the packets idea, we will definitely be doing that on the 4th of July this year. And I love the pictures, you are so tiny!
What a great day! I love beer brats, I always had them as a kid when I visited, but they didn’t hit California until 2003 and they are very popular now…beer+sausages and you can’t go wrong! I’m wondering what part of Iowa has the farmer’s market. My parents were just there in WDM week before last. I love reading your blog about Iowa
What a nice family you have! Your Mother’s Day looks great.
I love that foil packet idea for a cook out! I will definitely be borrowing that this summer.
Your gifts are perfect and such great ideas! I love that you had to convince your mom not to get those pussy willow branches a few weeks ago … sneaky, sneaky
[...] sculptures out of iron and rock that my whole family just loves. It’s where I got my Mom this hanging planter for Mother’s Day last [...]
FAB combo!! I’ve always wanted to try Newman’s Own..maybe this will inspire me to pick up a bottle! Plus, girl, don’t feel bad about those almonds – who on earth could resist?!