Kelly. A good Irish family name. That is my family.
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Interestingly, I was raised a Kelly before I got married. Growing up, I didn’t know my real dad. My mom got married when I was 6, and she married a Kelly. My Daddy is an amazing man who loved me with every fiber of his being- a perfect example of God’s adoption love for us. We never switched my last name because I had already entered school with my mom’s maiden name. However, it is always funny when I introduce people in my family, now that I am married. Both sides are Kelly.
Being raised Irish, we had different traditions that we always did for St Patty’s Day. The one thing that was always important to us was that we looked past what the world was doing- and look into the heart of what St Patrick did. He took the gospel to Ireland- and that is definitely something to rejoice in.
So, how can you have fun on St Patrick’s Day, without getting caught up in the crazy that the world has made it to be? Here are some great ideas:
- Rainbow Pancake Breakfast – This is SUPER SIMPLE! I make pancakes– and I dye them different colors of the rainbow! Then, we all dig in – and the kids are always so excited about what color pancake(s) they might get!
- Family Devotion – We always talk about the importance of sharing the gospel – since that is what St Patrick’s Day is about. Our family reads Matthew 28:19-20, and talk about who we should be sharing the gospel with. This has become one of my favorite things – and days- as a family the older my children have gotten, because their hearts are so torn for their friends who don’t know Christ.
- Shamrock Cookies: I make cut out sugar cookies with my kids (if we are all home). We use shamrock cookie cutters and get really messy! Here is the recipe:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, slightly softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 and ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until creamed and smooth - about 1 minute. Add the sugar and beat on high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 or 4 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and beat on high until fully combine, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Whisk the flour and baking powder together in a medium bowl. Turn the mixer down to low and add about half of the flour mixture, beating until just barely combined. Add the rest of the flour and continue mixing until just combined. If the dough still seems too soft, you can add 1 Tablespoon more flour until it is a better consistency for rolling.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Roll each portion out onto a piece of parchment to about ¼″ thickness. Stack the pieces (with paper) onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day. If chilling for more than a couple hours, cover the top dough piece with a single piece of parchment paper.
- Once chilled, preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Remove one of the dough pieces from the refrigerator and using a cookie cutter, cut in shapes. Transfer the cut cookie dough to the prepared baking sheet. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used.
- Bake for 8-11 minutes, until very lightly colored on top and around the edges. Make sure you rotate the baking sheet halfway through bake time. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
We have been known to do crafts when our children were younger, or read different books with them as well. However, these three things are what really makes St Patrick’s day meaningful and spiritual for our family.
Worshiping With My Life,
Mandy
by Stephanie, The Multi Taskin' Mom