Party Prep

Getting ready to ring in the New year!

Remember these cookies from childhood, well at least the really green ones?
I didn't use enough food coloring.

I converted some birthday art to new years ;)

The Cake

Happy Birthday, Jesus!Here's the cake. 

It was delicious! I enjoyed it more tonight than last night. 

Probably because I had already eaten so much yesterday.

The magazine explained how to make a peppermint plate. I thought it would make transferring from cake tupperware saver (in fridge) to cake plate a little easier. The colors eventually bled together, but it looked cool for awhile.

So, I made the cake over a period of 3 days. I made the cheesecake layers Thursday night. They were supposed to be frozen until ready to assemble, so that was perfect. Friday, EJ came home early, so I made the cake part that afternoon. On Saturday, I made the AMAZING frosting and put the whole thing together.

Will I ever make it again, highly unlikely. But it was delicious! 

It felt especially ridiculous that I was making this cake, when I learned that a friend from college was nearing the end of his battle with Central Nervous System Lymphoma. I even thought about not making it. But I am glad I did, because baking made me slow down the pace and gave me a quiet time to pray. I was in the kitchen by myself and for the most part my mind was on them. Pleading for God to have mercy. I can't even begin to imagine what this family is going through. I have been blown away by the community of believers praying for them, amazed by the wife's trust and faith in God and so very very thankful that God's love endures forever. I have looked at my husband differently, my children differently and I more thankful for all He has given us. Please pray for the Kelly family.

Sugar

No one was interested in helping me make sugar cookies this year. I went ahead and did it anyway b/c I was hoping they'd change their minds. Mason helped roll out some of the dough and use the cutters for the first 2 trays. I finally just stuck it all in the fridge and finished after everyone was in bed. I enjoyed decorating them in the peace and quiet but a little bummed that Owen didn't want to help at all. 

I don't know if this is an age thing or if he is just needing to get used to being home all day (today was better than yesterday), but he doesn't want to do anything! Yet he sits around and says he is bored. Things that he use to enjoy even a few weeks ago, he doesn't want to do. I hope it's just a phase. I am trying not to let it bring me down, but I miss my crafty buddy.

This little guy had no problem helping with the sugar cookies. Eating them that is!

Sweet Treats

An afternoon of baking with my 2 favorite ladies with

my favorite guys hovering around waiting for the goodies to be done ;)

 Mason stepped in for a little while

 Then we worked on our gingerbread "mini village"

 Ryan was only interested in eating

Doesn't our village look amazing? Yep, the pieces totally crumbled. Oh JOY!

Thankfully the boys were not the least bit upset. They just moved on!

Owen's "chalet" is still standing, although you'd never know it b/c it's basically just a roof.

Tonight EJ and I joined our small group for a Christmas dinner party. It was so fun!

Wait until you see what I got as a white elephant gift.
My model is sleeping or I'd show you now;)

Fun with Icing

Tuesday's Treats

Gingerbread cookies with vanilla icing

 

don't you want one? look at that technique, ha!

 Ryan didn't want to just eat one he wanted to decorate too. of course!

The past 2 afternoons Owen has been resistant to do our activity. But both days the Lord has quickly changed his heart. It was not my doing. I need to remember His faithfulness. I am tempted to get discouraged quickly.

5 Days, His Way - Tuesdays

Each day this week, I will post a small blurb about that day's Way. I would love any ideas or suggestions you might have for us. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions.

Tuesday has become the day we look forward to the most. Technically it's "Teachers and Coaches", but the boys call it "treat" day. This summer when we studied the word obedience, we baked together. It seems like a stretch to see the connection, but if you've ever cooked with a child, a lot can be learned, both for them and me :)

I think baking with my children is full of amazing learning opportunities.

First, we use a recipe. Recipes need to be followed very closely with baking. Not so much for cooking, but with baking a lot could go wrong :) Listening, learning to follow instructions and paying close attention are skills needed for baking and for obeying parents, teachers and coaches. See the connection?

Second, we take turns. Honor and respect are needed for obeying parents, teachers and coaches.

The list goes on and on patience (for me and them) teamwork, controlling our tongue (for me, when something doesn't quite make it into the mixing bowl ;) practice reading, practice measuring, math skills, learning to bake, etc.

We also pray for their teachers and coaches.

We have made jell-o, zucchini bread, pumpkin muffins, caramel apples and apple pie.

I love this day best b/c my kids don't have a clue I am training them.

 

Best of all we have a yummy treat to enjoy! 

Not to long ago, Owen never wanted his picture taken.
Now he is hamming it up.
And yesterday he wanted us to wear our matching shirts for apple picking.

Better

Today was better. Maybe had something to do with these homemade treats :)