Tag: traditions

Special Holiday Meals: Polar Express Party

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog1 Comment

Everyone looks forward to this party at our house every year! It does take a little work and planning, but it is so WORTH IT!

We try to make some homemade gifts to give out as Christmas gifts to our family and friends… usually food. We also have some fun games and lots of yummy treats to keep us busy until the Polar Express starts! Then our living room turns into an interactive Movie Theater… so much FUN!

Here are some of the posts that we have related to our past Polar Express Parties:

Polar Express Party (2016)

Polar Express 2022

Polar Express 2023, Sourdough Gifts & Recipes, and Other Life Updates

Polar Express Planning (2024)

Polar Express 2024

Polar Express 2025

DIY Advent Games: Engage Kids This Holiday Season

Advent Celebrations: DIY BINGO Game and Crafts

A Hobbit Day Celebration with Pictures

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog1 Comment

Our first Hobbit Day went well even though we had to postpone it once. We had planned to start with Breakfast at 7:00 on Saturday but we had overnight guests and a late night so it ended up being more like 7:45ish.

“Good morning! I’m not quite sure what you mean,” said Bilbo, “but my meaning was that I wish you a good morning, or rather, that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?” – Bilbo Baggins

Mr. Awesome got up early and put some meat on the smoker. He put a couple of lamb quarters on too as those would be used for the pot roast later on.

Hobbit Day Menu Plan

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Making Memories: 5th Saturday Weenie Roast Tradition

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog12 Comments

Some of our favorite memories from North Carolina were from the 5th Saturday Weenie Roasts that our church would have. It was so much fun to gather ’round an open fire and roast hot dogs (and marshmallows). The kids all played until they couldn’t play anymore, and everyone feasted on the potluck dishes that were brought. It was definitely a time of fellowship that we will cherish forever in our hearts.

We haven’t found anything similar to that here, but I was determined to keep that tradition alive so we would have our own version of 5th Saturdays at home. Sometimes friends and family will join in, but sometimes it is just us, and that’s ok.

An added benefit is that you and your kiddos will get comfortable cooking on an open fire, and that could come in handy during an emergency or power outage!

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Special Holiday Meals: October Edition

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog5 Comments

This time of year seems to be a little busier for us, so I thought it might be helpful if I just got all my special meals and recipes gathered for the month. I checked the menu plan and have made a list of the holidays that we want to celebrate.

If you haven’t seen our Perpetual Meal Plans yet, then you really need to check them out, as they have all kinds of special and unique holidays listed. Now is the time to start making your bucket list for Fall things, if you haven’t already.

Special Fall Meals with Recipe Links

You can also check out our Holidays tab and the October Holidays post for even more ideas!

Don’t forget to add upcoming birthdays onto your Meal Plan!

Here are a couple of links that you might find helpful:

Grocery List

Blank Meal Planner

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Old Fashioned Divinity and Seafoam Candy

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This candy has been around for a while but I’ve never attempted to make it until I heard Papa reminiscing about it. I’ve meant to try it a few times but that was just the little push I needed to give it a go and my family is glad I did. They truly are divine and they almost melt in your mouth!

It’s a good thing that these will only be made for special occasions as they is FULL of SUGAR!

This recipe really isn’t too difficult but it can be a little tricky… having a candy thermometer and a stand mixer make it a little easier.

It takes about 30-45 minutes to make a batch from start to finish (including clean up) but I can take several hours for the candy to set up completely… try not to eat it all before then!

What are some old-fashioned recipes that you remember from your childhood? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!

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