Parent's Time Out 
December 21, 2001

This weekly feature of the Online Exchange is committed to helping parents take back quality time and devote it more fully to spending it with their children. Here is where you can start to take a Time Out from the TV, computer, housework, and bills. It only takes a few minutes to do fun and memorable things with your children and we will lend a hand each week to get you started. Tune in here for encouragement, fun and easy things to do, and other tidbits, all geared just for you and your precious ones.

~ Time Out for the Week

Potpourri Gel Jars

What you need:

• Jars with lids
• 2 cups distilled water
• 4 packages of plain Gelatin
• 50 drops essential oil (any scent)
• Food Coloring

What you do:

1. Heat one cup of the distilled water in a saucepan. Add the desired coloring. Remove  from the heat, add remaining 1 cup of distilled water and the gelatin, stirring to dissolve.
2. Divide  the drops of essential oil, or potpourri oil, into the jars (wide mouth jelly jars or canning jars work well).  Add the gelatin mixture to  the jars. Place the jars in the  refrigerator for about two hours.
3. Remove the jars from the refrigerator and cover with plastic wrap or the jar's lid. If you are using the plastic wrap choose one the new colored wraps for a prettier 'topping".  Store them at room temperature. To release the scent, remove the  lid or plastic wrap. If you would like to decorate the jar place piece of fabric over the lid or plastic wrap and tie with a colored ribbon or lace.   You can include a silk flower tied at the end of the ribbon or knotted at the base of the jar's mouth for a floral presentation.
   
   

~ What's for Dinner?

Ham and Cheese Bread Bake

Here is a terrific "any meal" dish.  Ham and Cheese Bread Bake is a complete meal all in one casserole!  This makes a terrific breakfast, brunch, or a quick dinner choice too.  It can be made a day in advance.

What you need:

• 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine
• 1 medium size onion chopped finely
• 1 package ( 10 ounces) frozen asparagus tips, chopped broccoli, or green peas, thawed and drained
• 1 pound baked or boiled ham, cut into 1 inch cubes
• 4 slices whole heat bread, cut into 1 inch squares
• 3 large eggs
• 1 large egg white
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of coarsely shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard

What you do:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and sauté, stirring for 2-3 minutes or until slightly softened.  Add the asparagus tips and cook, stirring for 2 minutes.  Add the ham and bread and toss to mix.  Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and egg white with the milk, all but 2 tablespoons of the cheese, the salt, pepper, and mustard, just enough to combine, don't over stir.  Stir into the skillet mixture.
3. Pour all into a greased heat and flame proof 2 -quart shallow baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.  Cover with the foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a  knife in the center comes out clean.
4. Transfer the dish to the broiler and broil 4 inches from the heat for 2 minutes or until lightly golden.  Serves 4.

~ Just for You

Herbal Pillows
By Karen Hegre

Sinus Headache Pillow

Mix together in a bowl;

1/2 cup of flax seeds
1 part crushed spearmint leaf
1 part crushed peppermint leaf
1 part lavender buds
1 part eucalyptus leaf
1 part rosemary leaf

Stuff the bag and sew of the end!

Dream Pillow

1 cup mugwort
1/2 cup rose petals
1/2 cup german chamomile
1/2 cup sweet hops
1/3 cup lavender buds
1/3 cup crushed catnip
1/4 cup peppermint

Mix the ingredients together....make cloth bags from a 5 x 12 inch piece of material....fill the bag with your mixture....sew the top of the bag shut.

About the author:
Karen is an avid gardener and crafter. She and her husband have a Backyard Wildlife Habitat, plus 'Fairy Gardens' where the children can learn about different herbs and hear Karen read a story about the Garden Fairies and Flowers. For more information about Karen's herb, aromatherapy and nature related discussion lists visit Karen's Newsletter Page

~ Recommended Site of the Week

Star Journey

Journey through the stars with National Geographic Online.
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/97/stars/

Thank you for joining us for this weeks Time Out! Now the rest is up to you. Take the time to do the things suggested, or think of your own ways to spend precious time with your family. But most importantly, HAVE FUN!!  

Be sure to tell your friends about us! Highlight the parts of the page you like the best and print it. Then keep a folder of ideas and recipes.

We would like to hear from you! If you have a favorite family site or craft, send it to us and we might share it with our readers. Or, just let us know what you think of our feature. 
Contact Sara.


If you would like to subscribe directly to Parent's Time Out, please click here.

Find all of the Parent's Time Out Editions in our Archives.

Giving Credit were Credit is Due...
We search all over for great tips, ideas and recipes and don't want to forget to let you know where it all comes from. This week we would like to thank the following:
www.homeschoolzone.com 
www.seedsofknowledge.com  
www.nationalgeographic.com