My Little Chef: Christmas Sugar Cookies
A plate full of yummy egg and dairy free sugar cookies to enjoy!
I love having my kids home for the Christmas Break! It is always nice having extra time with them to have fun, relax, and do creative activities together. Brina wanted to make Dairy and Egg Free Christmas Sugar Cookies so she make a batch, rolled out the dough, cut out the shapes, cooked, frosted, and sprinkled the sugar cookies. The only thing I helped her do was get the hot pan out of the oven, but otherwise she did it on her own. So excited to see her start doing more in the kitchen! Yes, the cookies were delicious too!
Earlier that day Brina asked me to braid her hair! She wanted to wear it that way all day so she can have a crinkly hair style! Plus, it is probably a good hair style to wear when cooking in the kitchen.
Frosting the sugar cookies!
She made one giant cookie with the last bit of cookie dough and put the phrase “I Love You” on it!
Decorating the cookies!
Pausing for a split second to look up for a picture!
And Suddenly There Was…
Greenville: Journey to Bethlehem Event
Roman Solider on the outside of the gate to Bethlehem
We went to the Journey to Bethlehem Event with Jake’s cousins family a couple weeks ago. It was a really neat event by the Greenville Nazarene church. When you arrived you signed in and received a token to pay your taxes to the Roman soldiers once you arrived at the city of Bethlehem. Before going into the city you watched a short video sharing the history behind the event and preparing you for what will happen once inside the city. The event is free and well worth going through with your family. They do it every year.
They had about 12 booths that you could go to each one doing something different. At each booth you got a treat (like bread that would be eaten during that time) or bead to put onto your necklace or you made something (like a toy from that era). There were animals you could pet, hot chocolate, a manger scene, and so much more. We have wanted to attend this event for the past few years, but always had a conflict on the weekend they did it. Thanks Luke and Kristen for inviting us to come with you. We had a great time and it was a wonderful learning experience for the kids too! It was really nice to attend an event that reflected on the original meaning of Christmas. This event had to take a lot of time and energy from many people to make happen. Thank You!
Eating a homemade cookie and listening to the lady tell a story!
Making a toy out of wood and string – fascinating!
As always the animals were a hit with the girls!
Angels making the announcement to the shepherds.
A live camel, the girls really wanted to go for a ride or at least pet it!
My Sweet Family Bringing Surprise “Get Well” Wishes!
Balloon and poinsettia plant from my husband and daughters!
It has been a little more challenging these last few months with the herniated disc in my neck. It gives me a whole new appreciation on many things in my life. I am very blessed to have a loving husband and caring kids that have pitched in numerous times on items I usually take care of these past couple of months (cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, wrapping Christmas gifts, and so much more)!
Earlier this week I had my second epidural steroid shot in my neck. The last shot had two weeks of side effects and I had a tough time bouncing back from it so I was really nervous about getting another one a week before Christmas. Thankfully with the help of the doctors this second shot has been much better! I was able to take nausea medicine as soon as the nausea hit me so I didn’t get as sick from the shot. Also, we figured out after the procedure that I had an allergic reaction to the adhesive from the tape they used during the shot. Thankfully, we now know what caused the reaction so we can treat it accordingly. Jake and the girls surprised me with a balloon, plant, tasty treats, and Dunkin Donuts this week after my shot. So sweet and thoughtful of them! Love my family!
Even though I am more tired, stiff, and sore after the shot I can already tell it will not be as long of a recovery this time around (thankfully). I am praying that this will be the last epidural shot I will need to completely heal my neck. I am ready to get off the pain medicine and start living life normally again. I have come along way since October and hopefully I will be back to normal soon. I am truly grateful for all the family and friends who have prayed and encouraged me throughout this journey, you mean more to me than you will ever know!
The girls brought home a “Get Well Soon” balloon for me. Thankful for their thoughtfulness!
The red poinsettia plant is beautiful and festive this time of year!
Since I wasn’t as nauseous this time around Jake surprised me with Dunkin Donuts for breakfast the morning after my shot! Thanks Babe! You’re the BEST!
Dunkin Donuts to share with the family! Can you tell I like chocolate from his selection!?
Free Ebooks: Homemade Christmas, Gorgeous Natural Gifts, How to Use Evernote to Organize & Simplify Your Life, Cool Kids Cook, The Practice of Practice, Frugal Family Activities, My Dad is a Superhero, 100 Key Herbs with All Their Uses as Herbal Remedies for Health and Healing, and more!
The price to download these books is currently $0.00 (although the price may change at any time, please confirm prior to downloading). The ebooks are specifically for Kindles, however, you can click here and download the free application that allows you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.
Download a free copy of Homemade Christmas by Tawra J. Kellam and Jill Cooper
Download a free copy of Beautify Your D.I.Y. – A Guide to Gorgeous Natural Gifts by April Anderton
Download a free copy of Evernote – How to Use Evernote to Organize & Simplify Your Life by Andy Williams PhD (Side note regarding the Evernote program itself – Our family has been using Evernote for several years now to share our grocery list as well as gift ideas and lists of books we are looking for so everyone in the family can see it. That way if my husband is already at the store he can see what we need and pick up items from that store without me making an extra trip, it’s really nice and convenient to use! It also comes in handy at the used book store to check to see if there are any books available that you have been looking for. So if you are looking for this type of program to help you get organized and save time this may be a great book to read!)
Download a free copy of Cool Kids Cook – Gourmet Everyday by M. L. Obermaier
Download a free copy of The Practice of Practice by Jonahton Harnum
Download a free copy of Frugal Family Activities – How to Keep the Children Busy All Year Without Spending a Fortune (More for Less Guides Book 13) by Annabelle Stevens and Carolyn Stone
Download a free copy of My Dad is a Superhero by Lily Lexington
Download a free copy of Herbal Medicine – 100 Key Herbs with All Their Uses as Herbal Remedies for Health and Healing by Christine Adams M.D. PhD
Download a free copy of Mangia! Classic Italian Recipes by Gabriella Lepore
Download a free copy of Meet Amazing Americans Workbook 40 by Like Test Prep Meet Amazing Americans
Download a free copy of Homemade Jelly and Jam Recipes – 35 Recipes to Make Delicious James and Jellies from Scratch by Hillbilly Housewife
Download a free copy of Janie and the Magic Box Christmas by Julia Dweck
Space Scouts Monthly Educational Program Review
Space Scouts is a monthly educational subscription club for kids who love Space. Each month your kid will receive a package in the mail from Space Scouts including a new place to explore in space, space exploration, science, and astronomy. Roxy and Jett will join them as they scout out the galaxy around us through hands-on discovery, learning activities, and exciting challenges. Every package will include magnets, stickers, toys, and more fun!
We received the first two months of the Space Scout subscription! The girls were super excited to get the packages in the mail! Here are more details on the items we received in each package:
First Month’s Space Scouts Package:
- Metal Space Scouts Lunchbox
- Space Scouts Solar System Poster
- Space Scout Puzzle
- Constellation Postcard & Startup Kit
- Stickers
- Constellation Chart
- Activity Sheets – What is a Scout and Things You Might Find in Space
- Introduction to Space Scouts Letter
- Wikki Stix (twistable, stickable, buildable, playable, one-of-a-kind creatables – self sticking no glue necessary)
Second Month’s Space Scouts Package:
- Ursa Major Postcard
- Bionic Claw
- Scout Fun – About Astronauts
- Ursa Major & Big Dipper Expoloration Plan
- Roxy and Jett Magnet
- Two Astronauts
- Sticker Scramble
- Astronaut Activity Sheets
- Stickers
Our girls really enjoyed getting the Space Scout packages and all the goodies. They had fun reading the space information, doing the activities, and playing with the toys. One of our girls, especially, is a big space fanatic so some of the activities were fairly easy for her. It didn’t take long for our kids to finish all the space activities. I don’t think the activities are suppose to take a huge amount of time, but a lot of the information they have already learned through us and school so they may be at the top end of this type of program.
It is a wonderful program with a lot of great information, activities, and goodies. If your child is just getting into space this is a wonderful program for them to learn more. Although if your kid has been into space for several years they may be more advanced for some of the activities. Either way it is a great learning tool or a refresher.
If your child is into space you can check out the Space Scouts monthly program. Space Scouts is a fun, educational experience where each month builds upon the previous. Price is affordable at $11.95 per month + $3.00 shipping. Discounts for multi-month purchase. Space Scouts is designed for kids age 6+.
Visit Space Scouts website to learn more! What’s even better is you can get a 20% discount – when you use promo code USFAMILY20 at checkout. The promotional code gives you a 20% discount on initial purchase of any Space Scouts subscription plan. The code expires on December 31, 2014 so sign up soon.
A special thanks to US Family Guide and Space Scouts for sponsoring this post! Any specific product information was provided by US Family Guide and Space Scouts, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own. We received a complimentary products for sharing information and our family’s experience.
Holiday Gift Giving: FoxMind Presents the Gift No One Else Can Give – Time In A Box
What does every child want? An I Pad? Xbox? Maybe, but what is the one thing that every child wants, needs and deserves? At FoxMind Games they believe they know the answer and today announced the international availability of its new Time in a Box.
The new product, the brainchild of child psychologist and writer Rute Moreira, is more than its contents. It’s a gift of dedicated time; an opportunity to try new things; a way to explore art and science; a chance to plan for the future and to consider the past; and a way to tell a child in your life that they matter to you – more than anything!
David Capon, President of FoxMind, explained, “The benefits of Time in a Box extend beyond the product itself because it creates uninterrupted quality moments with the family and reinforces social-emotional connections. It also aims to reinforce the child’s feeling of connection to a larger community such as the neighborhood or the town where he or she lives.”
When you give Time in a Box, (MSRP $17.95 for 2 players ages 6 and up) you are offering a child you care about the gift no one else in the world can give them: your time. Inside the box you’ll find 96 activity cards that allow a child to momentarily shift your priorities and focus on doing a special activity together, such as playing a board game; solving a puzzle; starting a family tree; making a blanket fort; or carrying out an act of kindness that will bring a smile to a stranger’s face. Time in a Box includes a simple written agreement between you and the child that sets the ground rules by which you’ll both abide. Adults should switch off their smart phones and get ready for some quality time!
“Season-by-season, Time in a Box is a gift that inspires activities that provide a wealth of ways to make memories together and the unique and beautiful box can serve as a memory chest where pictures and notes can be collected and treasured,” Capon said.
Order your Time in a Box Game today on the FoxMind website today. While you are there check out FoxMind‘s many other great games too!
FREE TRIAL & Review of StyleWriter 4
Become a Better Writer Instantly With the World’s Most Powerful Editing Software – FREE Trial Offer. It’s essential to write in a clear, concise and compelling style. Unfortunately, millions of students and business professionals struggle with their writing skills. I want to introduce you to StyleWriter 4 – a breakthrough editing and writing program designed to improve anyone’s writing skills (PC compatible only). I encourage you to view the short video and sign up for the StyleWriter 4 FREE TRIAL offer if you want to try it out:
Try StyleWriter 4 out for 14 days and see what it can do for you! Whether you write for school, work, or personal reasons StyleWriter 4 could be a huge help!
I have been using the StyleWriter4 now for a few weeks on and off. It has been a great tool and has pointed out many writing errors I make which has been really great. While StyleWriter4 has been good on some points it has also been a little more intense than I expected. The program is not extremely user friendly and I found that it was a little more difficult to start using than I anticipated. It was often more challenging than it was worth at times trying to figure out how to change the wording or phrases it didn’t like you using. It is more time consuming especially for the shorter posts and it is a big program so it bogs down my computer a little more than I expected when it is running.
I think it would be an amazing program for a business that does longer more technical articles, has more powerful computers, and has more people who can use it. A college student who has to write a lot of long papers may really enjoy using this software as well. It has revealed a lot of helpful tips and good writing feedback for me personally. Also, there are some things that I didn’t realize I was doing so in that case it was very beneficial for me. Even though it is more time consuming and slows down my computer a little bit I still think it was beneficial to use. Will I continue using it? Probably for a little bit longer, but I am not sold on using it long term (at least not yet).
Would I recommend it? It would depend on your needs. I highly recommend you at least try it out with the Free Trial and see what you think. You may love it and it might be the perfect fit for you or maybe you won’t like it, but at least you haven’t lost any money just a little time experimenting with a software that can improve your writing skills. My recommendation to you – give it a try and let me know what you think!
A special thanks to US Family Guide and StyleWriter4 for sponsoring this post! Any specific product information was provided by US Family Guide and StyleWriter4, however, the opinions expressed in this post are our own. We received a complimentary subscription for sharing information and our family’s experience.
Josh & Megan’s Wedding Reception (New Harmony, IN)
Josh and Megan at the reception in New Harmony, IN
After the wedding we headed over to New Harmony, Indiana to celebrate more at the reception. As the bridal party was getting some outside pictures taking the wedding guests made their way to the reception hall. They had a photo booth, kids coloring station, and other fun things to do as we waited for the bride, groom, and wedding party to wrap up the last few pictures. The food and cake at the reception was delicious!
Reception table sign! Neat idea!
All the adult guests got a jar of jam made by Megan (YUM) and the kids got crayons – super fun!
Mouth full of cake! They were nice and didn’t make a big mess during this exchanging of cake tradition!
Our family with the good looking groom and lovely bride at the reception. Thankful that we were able to be a part of their special day!
The kids chatting around the coloring table!
Busy kiddos coloring their pictures! Great idea having a kids coloring table at the reception!
Brina and my adorable nephew Nicko coloring!
Time for some sparkler fun to send off the happy couple!
There they go! Congratulations! Hope you have a fun and relaxing honeymoon!
Watching the rest of the sparkler burn down.
Important sparkler lesson learned via Karlie…once the sparklers are done, the wire is still very hot. After the reception clean up we headed to Walgreens for some burn ointment this picture was a couple days later after it started healing. Poor kiddo, glad it wasn’t any worse. Although she will probably be more careful the next time around sparklers!
A quick picture at the photo booth after a busy day of wedding celebrations.
You can see they are getting tired, but they were troopers through all the activities. They were a big help with cleaning up after the wedding and reception too!
The “Hendrich” banner behind the bride and groom!
Josh & Megan’s Wedding Day Celebration (Mt Vernon, IN)
Megan and Josh saying their vows!
We were super excited to celebrate Josh and Megan’s big wedding day with them! It was a beautiful wedding! I am happy to welcome a sweet new sister into our family (now the girls side is even)! Thankful that Josh found a godly and beautiful lady to share the rest of his life with too! We took some candid photos throughout the wedding day that we are going to share here (we tried to stay out of the way of the photographer so a couple pictures you will noticed are off to the side). Welcome to the family Megan! We are thrilled to have you as a part of our rowdy crew! 🙂
A picture of our crew before the wedding!
Josh and my Dad talking in between pictures! Still hard to believe my baby brother just got married, but thrilled for him. We are all growing up and starting families of our own!
My Dad, my oldest brother Jeremy with his beautiful wife Amber and their oldest son Nathan.
Brina Bee
Dad, Megan, Josh, and Mom taking their pictures!
Megan and Josh with Josh’s parents and siblings! This is definitely a “candid” shot as we are waiting for the photographer, ha! Thankful for my parents and 3 brothers! Even though we don’t always get together as much as we would like we have fun when we do get a chance. Love you!
My beautiful, sweet, loving Mom looking great as always! Thankful for a Mom who loves unconditionally, is supportive, encouraging, always willing to listen, and who invests her time and energy not only in my life, but also into the lives of my kids too. Love you Mom!
Brina and Karlie were in charge of the guest book, programs as well as the gift and card table. They took their jobs seriously and wanted to make sure EVERYONE signed the guest book (even to the point of hunting people down during picture time to make sure they signed it)! 🙂 Thankful for my girls and their caring spirits.
Brina and Karlie watching Great Grandpa CE Hendrich sign the guest book!
My younger brother Lee with his beautiful wife Becky!
Two of my good looking nephews – Brandon and Nathan! Brandon looks so serious, but I got a good smile from Nathan!
Flower bouquet at the card and gift table!
My cousin Renelle had these cowbells engraved with Josh and Megan’s name and my Uncle Rick and Rod attached them to their getaway vehicle.
Megan’s siblings playing violins as the wedding guests arrive. Michelle, Darren, Rachel (hard to see because of the candles), and Bruce. Very talented musicians in Megan’s family! They actually played their violins at my wedding over 14 years ago! 🙂
Mason jars with candles along the runner up the aisle.
Brina and Karlie’s sunflowers! I see we are already missing a few petals!
Megan’s Brother-in-law Todd bringing Grandma Willa and Grandpa CE up the aisle.
My nephew Nathan escorting my Mom and Dad up the aisle.
Part of the wedding party! The dashingly handsome man standing up front on the right is my husband Jake, not only is he handsome, but also an amazing husband and Dad. I am one lucky lady! 🙂
Josh waiting patiently for Megan to come down the aisle!
Megan looking beautiful as she walks down the aisle with her Dad!
Josh all smiles! The big day has arrived!
Wedding ceremony!
Saying their vows!
They are officially married! WooHoo! Congratulations to my brother Josh and his new bride Megan! Welcome to the family Megan!
