Resurrection Cookies

With Easter approaching, it is so easy to get caught up in all of the hoopla that tends to want to tag along with it...buying new dresses/outfits for Sunday, getting ready for the Easter Bunny, planning the huge meal...

But when you get right down to it, it is all just that. Hoopla. Fluff. As artificial and processed as the chocolate-flavored bunnies that you buy at the store. And just as hollow.

Our risen Lord. That's what Easter is about. Our Savior nailed to a cross just because He loves us that much.

Here is a tradition our family has had since my oldest was a tiny baby. They ask for it every year and it is just as magical for us as it is for out children. I hope you will enjoy! (The source of this recipe is unknown. I even searched on Google and Bing. My mother in law gave us this recipe 11 years ago and I treasure the stained, faded paper it is printed on.)

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible

Instructions:
These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.
*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).
Place pecans in zipper baggy 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 teaspoon 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 1 cup 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: Psalm 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: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.
Read: Matthew 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: Matthew 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&22

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

Spring Outfit

This sweet little set of ruffled shorts and monogrammed T shirt make me so happy that Spring is finally here!

The shirt is Garanimals (lots of fun colors to choose from!) with an Applique Cafe "petal patch" monogrammed with MWP "tipsy".
The shorts are my own design...I just laid a pair of size 3 shorts on the fold of the fabric and started cutting! I like doing it this way for toddlers...if you've found a pair of shorts that fit them well, it's just the best way to ensure a good fit!
Have a great weekend!

New Designs

Here are some (well...just a few of the many) new designs that I have purchased! Is it pretty obvious that I am ready for some warm weather to get here? (and that I am addicted to buying cute designs?)
I love this patch!

If you need to cover up an existing monogram, a stain or just want to tie in a cute shirt with a pair of pants or shorts, this patch is perfect! I love being able to use 2 different fabrics on one patch, and I have many thread colors and monogram fonts to add to it!
As always, thanks for stopping by and for your sweet emails! Let me know if you'd like to place an order!

Monogrammed Easter Baskets

I had a request to monogram these Easter baskets for 2 sisters...are they not the cutest? Grant you, I think that the holiday items found in the Pottery Barn Kids catalog are just precious, but the prices?...Um, not so much. This savvy shopper found these little cuties at JoAnns for 40% off! Personalize them and I would put them up against PB Kids any day of the week.

And now she still has money in her wallet for some chocolate bunnies!