Our Beach Vacation

Ahhhhh....there is NOTHING I love more than our annual beach trip to Indian Rocks Beach. I can't tell you how relaxed I am right now and I've been back at work for 2 days. That says a lot for the affect that sand, sun and no stress for 8 days has on me and my family. We stayed at Oceanside condos this year and it was so nice! In comparison to previous years' accomodations, I felt as though I was staying in a 5 star resort.



We celebrated Father's Day again at the beach this year. And Avery had some fun on her boogie board. Plenty of sun, sand, sea shells and relaxation was enjoyed by all. Can't wait till next year!

Nonnie Gets a Tattoo!?

Mom went to a Henna/Mehndi party for her former art teacher who is Asian Indian. This intricate design is done by hand and though it looks like it should have taken hours, it took about 20 minutes and the tattoo could last up to 21 days. Mom said that right after it was done it was three dimensional and much darker. The lady who did it said that the darker it gets the more your husband loves you. How cool to experience traditions from another culture.

Our Easter Pictures

Easter is a special day for us all. Thank you Lord for the ultimate sacrifice. Help us to remember that we are part of the Heavenly Family because You died for our sins. Thank you for your mercy and grace and abiding love.

I'll Never Be Betty Crocker

If you tried my Resurrection cookie recipe, hopefully yours turned out better than mine. See, patience and baking and me don't really mix. They are supposed to be hollow...mine had a teeny tiny little spot in the middle and the rest was sticky-and gooey. Avery bit into hers and made the worst faces as you can see. She said "Mom, we aren't taking these to church are we?". So Betty, you'll have no competition from me :)

Resurrection Story Cookies

Here's something you can do with your kids tomorrow night. I found this by searching on Resurrection Cookies. The recipe and accompanying scripture is listed below.

Ingredients:
You need to preheat the oven to 300 degrees (this is important--don't wait until you are half done with the recipe!)

3 egg whites
1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. Vinegar
A pinch salt
1 cup sugar
A zipper baggie
A wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Resurrection morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Resurrection, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.Read Matt. 28:1-9

Happy Easter to you all! May Christ's ultimate love and sacrifice be a blessing to you and yours.

Leprechauns and Jelly Beans

We made leprechaun traps in March and now for April we've made jelly bean bracelets. We have big plans for bunny rabbit cupcakes and easter egg cakes too. Stay tuned...

My Baby is SEVEN!!!

Okay, can someone PLEASE explain to me how the first year of your baby's life seems to take FOREVER and then suddenly they are seven and back-talking you, bathing themselves, reading, learning more math in the 1st grade than you learned your entire academic career, and blossoming right before your eyes into a elementary schooler? HOLY COW! Avery amazes me every day. Her birthday theme this year was Camp Rock and all her buddies from school came dressed as rock stars. We added some accessories from the goodie bags and wha-la, we have an all girl rock star band. The girls met at Picasso's Cup and painted pottery at lightening speed and then after cake and presents I had to figure out what to do with them all for another 45 minutes before their parents came to get them. We had a LOT of fun, but I still can't believe she's SEVEN!