Make Some Finger Paints

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We made these squishy, gooey finger paints the other day and they were a hit. They were so easy, although I think I may have cooked mine a little too long. Next time, I will remove them from the stove-top sooner than I think they need to be removed. Ours was too thick and not as smooth as finger paints should be. But that was totally my fault. The kids did not care that they were a little thick, only my OCD did!

Here is how you make them:

1/2 cup cornstarch
3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups cold water
food coloring

Directions:

In a medium pan, mix all the ingredients together to make the finger paint. Cook over low heat 10 to 15 minutes. (I would cook it for about 5 minutes less). Keep stirring the finger paint mixture until it is smooth and thick. After the finger paint has thickened take the pan off the stove and let the mixture cool.

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After cooling, divide the finger paint into storage containers depending on how many colors you would like. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container. Stir the coloring in to the paint to determine the shade of color. You’re ready to finger paint! Cover tightly when storing.

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See the artist smock my daughter is wearing. That is a re-purposed man’s shirt from my hubby’s closet. (Don’t worry babe, it was the one you wanted to donate to charity). I have since come up with an even better design that of course I want to share with you. So stay tuned for that tutorial coming soon. They are perfect for painting, play dough and all those other messy kid activities!

Make Some Mother’s Circus "Shape" Cookies

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Through some blog surfing the other day I found this yummy recipe for making your own Mother’s Circus Animal Cookies. Since these are my man’s favorite store bought cookies, I knew I had to give them a try.

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I whipped up a batch of sugar cookies using Vanilla Joy’s recipe and then left the dough covered in the fridge overnight. The next day during nap-time, my daughter and I baked the cookies and dipped them in melted almond bark (I had some left over from my Christmas baking that needed to be used; you can find it in the baking aisle by the chocolate chips) and added sprinkles.

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They turned out so cute and better yet…DE.LI.CIOUS! They were even better the next day when they had dried out and were as crunchy as the originals. I think they would be so cute to give as a gift or a party favor at a birthday party or shower.

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Vanilla Joy has some other great ideas. Go check out and make some for yourself. You know you want to. But be careful…you can’t eat just one!

Easter Story Cookies

We have done this activity for Easter for the past two years and my kids look forward to it each year. It has been a good way for our family to make Easter a bit more religious and focus on the Resurrection more than the Easter Bunny. This has been around for a long time and many of you may have already seen or done this, but I decided to post it anyways just in case you may not have seen it.

To be made the evening before Easter.

You need:

1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar

zipper baggie
heavy wooden spoon
tape
A Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. This is important! Don’t wait until you’re half done with the recipe!

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 eternal 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 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.

NOW 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 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 Matt. 28:1-9