Proverbs 31:21

²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

Hats, boots, mittens, snowpants….check

This Proverbs 31 “studying” is becoming very fun!

Love,

Jess

Okay, so I’m not a “baker”. You know the type, homemade everything for anything (MOPS, potlucks, neighbor gift, dessert, birthdays). At times, I’ve been envious. But, I know my place in the store bought section of the potluck line. I am glad that “bakers” have a gift and can use it to provide lovely goodies for their loved ones, really, I am.

I, on the other hand, have been gifted with the skill to get messy. Hence, the nick-name, Messy Jessy, that I self-proclaim from time to time. My blood pressure does not rise nor does my voice at the mere sight of Play-doh encrusted table tops, paint filled hands or craft glue pooled on random pieces of paper.

Which brings me to my point. I can bake with kids. Splats, missed measurements, over blended ingredients…whatever the case, I’ll do it. Why? Cause it is darn fun! It’s like playing kitchen but for real. Since, I have no expectation of something “turning out” I can relax and let the experience of baking with kids be super rewarding.

Our pink heart cookies (above) actually turned out and I am pleased that our efforts paid off. However, I think I ate way too many of them…also a valid reason I am not a “baker”.

A few tips, if you are wanting to try baking with little ones:

1. Use pre-made dough or measure your dry ingredients on your own before the madness begins. If you are like me, your brain will shut off because it’s too busy making sure no body slips off the chair or can reach for the sharp knives, to notice if you put 2 cups of flour or 4 cups of flour into the bowl already.

2. Allow plenty of time. Plenty, plenty, plenty. Baking with little kids is not something to do on the way to your event, in which, you signed up to bring the baked good in question.

3. Use timers. Okay, fairly obvious here. But, I promise, you will get distracted sweeping up spilled sprinkles that weren’t supposed to come out until frosting time or playing legos in a different room entirely & forget about the oven!

4. Bake with LOVE & PATIENCE. If the words, “Don’t touch that! Careful! Let me do it!” even cross your lips…it might be time to take a breather. Chill…it’s just frosting! However, in the area of hot stoves, electrical outlets/appliances and sharp knives…you get to be as demanding as ever. Cause Mama said so, that’s why!

5. Pour milk and enjoy! Let your kids eat their creations (before lunch if the case may be). Waiting until after dinner would just be torture!

Love,

Ahem…Messy Jessy

1. Beneath

2. Near

3. Within

4. Between

5. Beside

6. Into

7. Underneath

8. Inside

She sure knows how to define space and time!

Love,

Jess

Happy Holidaze…

Are you in sugar shock just like I am? I am scrapping the bottom of the Peppermint ice cream carton as we speak. There is always January at the Y, right?

My Christmas was delightfully busy yet calm-ish. I hope yours was too!

Baking, giving, reading, visiting and threatening (to take new toys away for crabby behavior -I love this time of the year).

I am pretty strict, unless we are talking about extra cookies after supper, then I cave.

I have been  brain storming some After-Christmas Christmas crafts using Holiday leftovers…no, not ham and potatoes.

Love,

Jess

P.S. Here is a sneak peek

Save your old Advent calendars!!!

Ry and Molly filled mugs with cocoa packets, marshmallows and candy canes for gifts this year. Ry went to the thrift store, with me, to buy a million second hand ugly festive Christmas mugs. The mugs were around 25 cents-$1.

Molly (yes, I know she needs a hair cut, poor dear) lovingly filled the mugs.

They make great token gifts for preschool teachers, church nursery volunteers, Sunday school teachers, MOPPETS workers, Aunts and Uncles and Grandparents.

Just a little tissue paper for wrapping.

I am grateful for my kids! Molly, Ryan, Claire and Leah

I am also grateful for glue guns, flavored coffee and good books.

May your attitude of gratitude lift your eyes to God and thank Him today and everyday!

Love,

Jess

Lately You Say:

• See Em?
• Lub (love) You!
• No! I hate!!
• RY-an, MINE!!

Lately You Play:

• Play with babies, blankets and purses in mass quantities
• Love to stomp around in mom’s dress shoes
• Mother kitties and puppies
• Watch TV for 15 minutes at a stretch. Favorites: Elmo, Care Bears and Thomas the Train

Lately You Are:

• Sitting at the table for meals, though, you are always getting out of your chair
• Interested in mom’s make-up and looking nice
• Going pee-pee in the big potty at diaper changes
• Willing to let me rock you to sleep

Family Portrait Summer 2009

Lately

Summer has been so fun! Many fun “nesting” projects, swim outings and outdoor adventures have been happening around here.

The twins are healthy and growing (currently at 29 weeks). Only 9 weeks to go before baby girl A and baby girl B arrive.

I have posts and photos in mind, of our room changes, craft projects and belly growth. But for now I’m just popping in to say HI!

You see, it is summer…I’m out there, living in the moment.

To the girl with eyes that say everything – I love you! You’ve made our lives full of joy and laughter with a whole lot of hustle and bustle thrown in!

I hope you are always as energetic and strong as you are at two years old.

Check out Molly’s tea party at the Kobies blog (our friends). Her friend Lucy (thanks Becki!) posted all the photos.

photo credit

My Birthday

I’d love to have some powerful words to express about the last 30 years or the next 30 years.

But really, right now I’m trying to get my almost 2 year old out of her Dad’s night stand (which stores all sorts of man treasures like M-80s, candy, watches, shoe laces, cologne, earplugs and video games)

&

trying to ignore the “Mom, I think there is a huge problem down here [in the living room], um…nevermind!”

So until my brilliant, thought provoking insights about life come tumbling out…I’ll be eating cupcakes!!!

Have a great weekend! I’ll be back next week, much older and wiser!

Love,

Messy Jessy