I hope all of you had a nice Mother’s Day weekend last week, visiting with your mother and sharing some good stories. Most importantly, listen to what she had to say, share with her some family stories and traditions before it is too late. As we all grow older, it is very important and our expectations have changed over the years. We would rather have quality time with our children instead of expensive gifts.

Many of us have younger children, and if not, we have young grandchildren, great-grandchildren or nieces, nephews, etc. In another month, school will be over, but it doesn’t mean our job as parents is over. We need to continue to advise our children and share some experiences we faced in our lives.

Because school season is over, that doesn’t mean they should stop studying. It helps students develop skills, improve understanding and build confidence for the future. Educated people can make better decisions and contribute positively to society.

Time never waits for anyone, so it is important to use it wisely. Every moment counts, so don’t waste any moments or seconds. Keep learning as much as you can.

Don’t forget, in the summertime, teachers need some time to relax and be fresh in the fall to come and teach our children again. A teacher’s life is full of responsibility, dedication and learning. Teachers play an important role in shaping the future of our students. They not only teach subjects, but they also teach good values and discipline.

Many don’t realize, but a teacher’s life can be challenging because it requires passion and hard work. Think about it: We have one, two, three, and some families have more children in the house. Teachers have 20 and 30 children in the classroom. That is a huge job.

I was talking to one student, and I’m not going to mention any names, she was telling me that she felt very proud of herself when she works hard and sees progress. She also told me she tried to give her best in everything she does. That way, she said, she becomes stronger, confident and responsible. At times, she said, things become difficult, but I try to give my best in everything that I do. I love to talk to children with a good attitude like that.

I’m a positive person, so I love to talk with children with positive attitudes, because it leads to peace, success and a better future in every part of life.

Also, it is important to respect others and remember the struggles that brought them where they are today.

I know I am a talker, lol, but every chance I have, I like to talk to young people. I encourage them to chase their dreams and never give up if something doesn’t always come the way they were expecting.

True winners stay humble, even after they succeed.

Students learn values like respect, honesty and teamwork, which helps in life and builds great character and respect. A good student is always curious, disciplined and hard-working in studies. He or she listens carefully to teachers, completes homework on time and practices regularly to improve understanding.

There is a lot of temptation out there, especially nowadays. It’s easy for a student to be distracted, but they have to stay strong and we have to tell them challenges are part of growth. Difficult times teach valuable lessons and make us wiser and more confident. Life becomes successful and meaningful when we stay strong, focus and never lose hope. So all of the above is very important to share with our children, regardless of whether they are graduating this year or if they have another grade to continue next fall.

Many of us, I’m sure, heard all the above from our parents or teachers when we were in school, and many I’m sure wished they had.

So don’t hesitate to devote some valuable time to talk to your child. They will thank you later on, if not now!

Till next week

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Mediterranean oven stew

21/2 tbsp of butter

1/4 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped green pepper (optional)

1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

1/2 cup chopped onion

2 pounds cube lean beef

2 1/2 tbsp flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp sugar

1 (6-oz) can whole tomatoes, cut up

1 (4-oz) can sliced mushrooms, drained

2 beef bouillon cubes, dissolved in 2 cups hot water

1/2 cup dry red wine

Melt butter in skillet. Add celery, green pepper, garlic and onion. Saute until softened and browned. Dust meat with flour, salt and pepper. Add meat to skillet and brown on all sides. Stir in remaining ingredients. Place in a large, buttered casserole and cover. Refrigerate for 24 hours. To serve bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 hours. The sauce is also good over biscuits or toast and serves 8 to 10.

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Creole Stuffed Bell Peppers

16 large green peppers, divided

1/2 cup butter or margarine

2 cloves garlic, chopped

4 onions, chopped

1 cup chopped ham

1 cup of water

1 cup of tomato juice

1 (16 oz) canned tomatoes, chopped and juice

2 eggs, beaten

4 cups cracker crumbs

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon sugar

Bread crumbs

Melted butter or margarine

Dash of paprika

Chop four of the green peppers, leaving the seeds in. Sauté chopped peppers in butter with garlic and onions until tender. Add ham, Water, tomato juice and tomatoes. Cook until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in eggs and cracker crumbs. Season to taste. Cut off the tops and remove seeds from the remaining 12 peppers. Parboil in water with sugar added until lightly tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain. Stuff with tomato mixture. Cover lightly with bread crumbs, sprinkle with butter or margarine and paprika. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes or until very hot. Serves 12.

Enjoy

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This recipe is awesome to impress your guests at any celebration and especially at the upcoming graduation parties, very Impressive, delicious and refreshing!

Fresh Strawberry Parfait

1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened

1/2 cup crushed Vanilla wafers, or almond macaroons

1/4 cup finely ground nuts

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup sliced strawberries or more

1 egg white

1/2 cup sour cream

Whipping cream, whipped

Strawberries for garnish

Place a layer of ice cream in each parfait glass. Combine wafers, nuts, and rind. Layer a spoonful of the mixture on ice cream. Beat sugar, strawberries and add egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form, about 10 minutes. Gently fold in sour cream. Spoon a layer of strawberry mixture into parfait glasses. Repeat layers until the glass is full. Freeze. Top with whipped cream and garnish with a strawberry. Serves 6 to 8.