Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Easter Cookie Recipe!!!!

EASTER COOKIE RECIPE!
Making cookies with your children

to teach the true meaning of EASTER!

The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory,
the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

You Need
Help & permission from Parents!
1- cup whole pecans
1-teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1-cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

EASTER COOKIES

Preheat the oven to 300 (this is important-don't wait 'til you're half-done with the recipe)

1. Place the pecans in the baggie and let the kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3

2. Put the vinegar into a mixing bowl. Let each child smell the vinegar. Explain that when Jesus was on the cross and He became thirsty, He was offered vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30

3. Add the egg whites to the vinegar. The eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life so that we could have life.

Read John 10:10-11

4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand and let them taste it. Put 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

5. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup of 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

6. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes, until stiff peaks form. 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

7. Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax paper cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus body was laid to rest.

Read Matt. 27:57-60

8. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off.

9. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the door. Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed.

Read Matt. 27:65-66

10. Go to bed. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight and that Jesus followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.

Read John 16:20-22

11. On 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 His tomb empty.

Read Matt. 28: 1-9

*** and if you want your child to really know the true meaning of Easter start singing "Up from the Grave He Arose"***

Monday, March 30, 2009

We're Here...

Well we made it... we have spent our first 24 hours in Indy and it is going well. It was a sad good bye to leave Gigi and Granddad, especially when he writes something like this on his face book page:

Gigi and Grand Dad are sad today, because our "liittle girl" will no longer be living just "down the street" or around the corner. After 29 years, Kendra finally moves to Indy today. Her and John Hunter [and Deac..the dog] pack up the car and off they go....It's a sad day in the Blue Grass....We love you honey...and know that God has you and your family in his arms, and will take care of all of us....

We loaded up in the rain and were making great time as we approached Louisville, but we came to a dead stop for about 45 which did not go over well with the 2 year old Mister and yellow lab pup. So I tried everything, but the rain was coming down and so were the tears! OH WELL.... 4 hours after leaving Lexington we made it.

We arrived at Valleyview Drive and unloaded the dog and then went to some open houses in the area. Can I just say we found found a house we LOVE... oh I pray it is still on the market when we are ready to buy (which will be after we sell ours of course). But we do love it... here is a picture of it from the internet....

Oh well... we will see. Today John Hunter and I went to Sam's club (yep it is about 3 min. from our house) and then to Wal-Mart. I know this doesn't sound like a big deal, but this is the first Wal-Mart I found so I was thrilled.... so thrilled!

We came home and cleaned, and i mean we cleaned. I got everything unpacked and organized downstairs, and then I cloroxed the whole downstairs... it felt so good. I even cooked dinner, something I haven't done for a LONG time. But it was fun. When Eric got home he took JH to the park and I had some alone time to get dinner ready it was really nice.

After dinner we went on a drive, and I found some other fun places I would like to explore:) Day 1 down, we will see what day 2 holds... please keep the prayers coming, I am confident that is the reason for the peace~

Friday, March 27, 2009

Easter Craft Fun


Here is a fun Easter Craft to do with your kiddos... it takes a little help on your part, but your kiddos will love the gluing and the final product!

What you need:
1- empty/ cleaned out 1 gallon milk jug
1- 6 or 8 inch Styrofoam ball
2- Bags of 200 ct. cotton balls
1- Bottle of Glue
2- Googly Eyes
1- sheet of white foam paper
1- sheet of pink foam paper
1- package of black pipe cleaner
Easter Grass and Eggs for inside decor

Holding the milk jug by the handle cut out at 4-6 inch window oppoiste of the handle!

Place the head/ styrofam ball on the jug (with the lid off) and press in place. Remove the ball and place glue where the indention is and reattach head to jug (let set of a bit... sometimes this is good to have done before the project starts, or this can be done the night before)

Using the white foam paper draw a bunny ear. Cut out and then trace for the second ear. Draw a smaller ear for the inside using the pink foam paper. Cut out and then trace for the second inner ear. Glue the pink inner ear to the white ear for each ear.

I attached my ears to white lollipop sticks, but you can use anything. Craft sticks, pipe cleaner, etc. Attach the ears to the bunny's head.

Open the cotton balls and place in a large bowl. Putting glue on small sections apply cotton balls until the entire bunny is covered.

Attach googly eyes

Cut a nose and 2 cheeks from pink foam paper and attach with glue!

Use black pipe cleaner to make mouth and attach with glue!

Fill the inside of the bunny with grass and Easter eggs.... and Peter Cotton tail will be right at your home! Enjoy...


**** if you have questions let me know...
ALL supplies can be purchased at your local Wal-Mart****

Easter Party


We had some friends over yesterday for an Easter play-date!!! It was super fun, there were about 15 toddlers/kids and their Moms. We had pizza, cupcakes, watched Miss Patty Cake (and ALL the kiddos watched it). Then I told the Resurrection Eggs story, and it was so cute to hear all the kiddos get involved. It was like I was back in Children's Ministry!!! Then we did an Easter craft!

If i haven't mentioned it before I have to tell you how much I love Easter.... everything about it. I just put the finishing touches on my Easter cards to our families... it is truly the most wonderful time. I think it is fitting that John Hunter and I are going to Indy around Easter.... it makes my heart happy to spread some Easter joy there!

Here are some fun pics our time together:)

this is John Hunter holding his ears as Baby Emily and Baby Anna let out a small cry!

Toddlers eating pizza:)

Loving ladies watching Miss Patty Cake
Sweet Bella Grace... John Hunter LOVES this girl! He woke up and said, Where's Bella? I need her?
All the Madness:)

Julianna Frank, Emmy Taylor, and Avery Carter's Easter Craft:)

Sweet twins... this could make me want another little one!!!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

So tired....

I am so tired, but i wanted to give you a glimpse of what is to come.... we had a Easter gathering today at our house.... here is a snapshot of our fun. However I want to say more about this, but I am just too tired....so here is a teaser:)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Praying for Baby Stellan!!!


As some of you know I have been stalking this blog for a while.... for some reason I have fallen in love with Baby Stellan. He is not doing good today.... I read his mom's blog, and then read Angie's Blog... I copied and pasted Angie's post because her words are prayers on this matter are ordained...Please read and PRAY!


Warriors, as you read these words, I am begging you to fall to your knees.

Stellan has taken a serious turn for the worse, and we need to gather on his behalf. Details are on Jennifer's blog, but in case you haven't seen them I wanted to post here.

Honest to goodness, whether you are at work or in middle of Target, please go find a place where you can settle into a posture of prayer and call out to Him. If I did not believe in the power of these prayers, I would not call on you. But I do.

I am tempted by the enemy, as you will be, to fear for the worst. Recall this scripture from Romans 8:15

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."

Psalm 91 has always been one of my favorites, and even if you want to say it in your mind, the Lord will hear your cries.

Psalm 91

1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-

10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."

Jesus. Lord, Father of all that is and will be...You know the cry of our hearts before it leaves our lips.

We are asking for healing, Father....bring Your peace. We will not fall into the snare of fear, for you surround us, and you have commanded your angels concerning us...

Stellan, we are praying.

www.mycharmingkids.net

Angie

Please join me in praying for this sweet child today!

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

She was just Ivy

When Ivy started to come and play last August she was just Ivy.... today was the last day for me to watch a little girl who is so near and dear to our hearts, the one we affectionately have renamed "IvyGirl"!!!

I found this picture of Ivy that I took on the first day she came to play. She has grown up so much and I am so thankful for her and the friendship I have with her mom and dad. (Poor guy has seen me each and every morning half awake, towel on my head, and no make-up). God has big plans for this family, and I do too.... like for them to come and visit us!

I couldn't think about it all day because it just wanted to make me cry. But I found myself holding her a little tighter, kissing her a little more, and just loving my Ivygirl. I didn't even have the heart to tell John Hunter to tell her bye (I mean we will see her on Thursday... and there is not sense explaining "moving" to a 2 year old),

Here is a picture Ivy's mom took of her last week in an outfit I monogrammed for her.... she is getting so big. And I love her so much!We love you Ivy Girl!

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Easter's on it's way

Many of you know this about me, but Easter is my MOST favorite holiday! There is something about this time of year that means so much. I now that I have a child, I have spread the love for the season on to my child. It all started about 3 weeks ago when we picked up the brand new Miss Patty Cake.

Say what you will but this video, but it does a great job of telling the Easter story on a toddler level. Since then we have bought Easter Hymns for kids, sang Easter songs, made palm branches, talked about Jesus, his friends, and the donkey... we LOVE the donkey!

Gigi bought us the Resurrection Eggs the other day and we busted them out this weekend. To say we LOVE these eggs would be an understatement. IT is a very simple and easy way to share the story of Jesus and very interactive for parents and child.

I love telling the story and it doesn't get old. I am also loving watching John Hunter learn and understand the story. When he opens the egg and the donkey comes out he yells.... HOSANNA. And goes on to say, Jesus rode the donkey into town, or when he opens the pink egg and 3 coins fall out and he tells me that Jesus' friend chose money over Jesus. Or when the blue egg is opened and it is empty and he yells... Jesus is ALIVE!

I have several more Easter things up my sleeve for this Easter season, but those ideas will come later:) Until then... we are learning the ULTIMATE EASTER SONG:

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

We played hookie

So it was beautiful outside today and John Hunter and I played hookie. Our original plan was to go to INDY and visit Eric, but he is coming home tomorrow so we thought for one day it seemed pointless. So we played hookie. We were/ are hoping to hear from the Realtor about the house which is something we would appreciate your prayers on. So when we didn't hear we headed to the park with some friends....and found more friends there!!!

We went for lunch and ice cream afterwards, and I was hoping JH was get a good nap... he didn't. So we went with Gigi and Grandad to G'town to pick up the motorcycle!!! JH loved the bike shop and it was a beautiful drive!We are sad Thurday isn't gonna be nice, but at least we will see daddy!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

An Irish Blessing for you on St. Patrick's Day!
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.



Sunday, March 15, 2009

Bittersweet


Today Donna (our Realtor) called at 4:30 and said there was someone who wanted to see the house... at 5:15! Of course I said yes, and then mildly started to freak out! Our house was a little rough and I planned on cleaning it tonight, so I rested during John Hunter's nap time. Well in a matter of 20 min. mom and I divided and conquered. She swept, mopped, did dishes, and I made beds, picked upstairs up, ran the vacuum, and pour Pinesol EVERYWHERE!

They showed up at 5:15 and I let them because their key didn't work and went down to moms. About 30 min. later they were still walking the property and then they left. Around 6 I got a call from Donna saying they are EXTREMELY interested and the lady would like to bring her husband back this week to look. But really liked the house and LOVED the floor plan.

I am super excited because this means our family will be in the same state and with the market the way it is, I am confident that any bite is a good bite. However it is a little bitter sweet. This is my home, this is where my family is, and I don't do well with change!

A couple of weeks ago when we were in Indy at East 91st Street church the worship leader led a song that just tugged at both Eric and I's heart. Its really funny because it wasn't until about Wednesday of that week that we talked about how much that song meant to each of us in our own way. We had both tried to remember the lyrics, title, artist. So I just gave in and called the church (multiple times) to find out who/what the song was. It was an old Irish Hymn (how fitting for St. Pattie's Day) that the worship leader had adapted.

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.

May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.

Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.

Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go -
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.


Enjoy them, take the in, and meditate on them. Please dear friends please pray that God's will be done in the selling of our house. We appreciate all your prayers...

Wonderful Weekend

The White Family had a wonderful weekend. However it is Sunday afternoon and we are TIRED! Eric decided on a whim to come home Friday night and I could not have been more thrilled! I was giddy till he got here! We was giddy to get John Hunter out of bed on Saturday morning. After some time of morning play we went to breakfast with Gigi and Grandad... and it was yummy!

I went to a baby shower on Saturday for my dear friend Emily Stout and sweet baby Camden. It was so fun to have to some girl time and it was fun for daddy and John Hunter to have some daddy time. And they must have enjoyed it because when I got home the were BOTH napping.

Naps were a good thing because we got to go to the Luce Center to celebrate Turner's 5th birthday. It was a star wars theme, and it was super fun. Eric made the comment that the kids played hard with balls, hula hoops, bikes, etc, for almost 1.5 and no one got stitches... a huge accomplishment. However Eric did almost loose Carson THREE times... yikes! It was such fun and we were happy to celebrate the life of my buddy....

After the party we went to dinner with the Purvis and then back to their house for playtime and games. We did not get home till well past midnight, and we are tired. We got up and went to church which was awesome... and as always John Hunter had to check out the guitars and drums. Poor kid... he is obsessed. Eric left for Indy this afternoon and we were all sad, but we are going up there later this week so it made the good-bye not so bad:)

Friday, March 13, 2009

Explorium


Today we ventured to the Explorium (Children's Musuem) with the Purvis family. We had a great time and it was so fun to watch their little minds explore. My personal favorite was the giant piano... I played Mary Had a Little Lamb and the bubble room.... it was super fun! Here are some pics of our fun day!



Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Terrific Tuesday!!!

So for the past couple of days Eric has told me he is having some papers from MetLife Fedex"ed" here. I have know to look for the FedEx man, and did... but it often went to the pack of my mind. When I picked up John Hunter from school today I saw the FedEx man down the street and thought I needed to check to door.

I got hom and found this long black FTD box. I was on the phone with a good friend and explained to her, the FTD does not come to my house. But it had my name on it... so I opened it!

Inside were the most beautiful red roses and while lillies... and the sweetest note from the sweetest man! I love you babe!

Later this evening we went to celebrate Carson's second birthday. It was a train party and John Hunter was thrilled. Carson was so sweet and cute and the kiddos had a great time. I know they had a wonderful time because my little "conductor" came home and went right to bed!!

Thanks Carson for inviting us, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Friday, March 6, 2009

Princess Party



We celebrated with the best princesses ever today. Emmy and Bella turned 4! HONESTLY it seems like yesterday that I was making their birth announcements. We had so much fun and John Hunter loves being with his buddy Hayden…. They are a deadly combo! The girls had a great time and were SOOOO sweet.All day long John Hunter kept saying Happy Birthday TO YOU and YOU! Because I told him it was BOTH girls birthday. It was so funny! We enjoyed some wonderful BBQ and a delicious cake… which I am wishing I had a piece of right now and did not share with JH! But what is a mom to do right…

Happy Birthday Bella and Emmy… you are true Princesses!
The KING is enthralled with your beauty, HONOR him because HE IS YOUR LORD!

We love you!