Easter Story Cookies

A friend sent me this recipe. I can't wait to try this out with the kids Saturday night.

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
wooden spoon
tape
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 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 1cup 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.

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

He is Risen!

Spring Break #3 - Aquarium with Friends

It's Spring Break! We are trying to squeeze as many fun things into one week as possible. Spent one beautiful day in Chattanooga with friends. Went to the Aquarium, had a picnic, saw the IMAX movie Wild Ocean and had ice cream at the end of the trip. So much fun. We wore ourselves out!

The Thompson's and the Hill's


Touching the Stingrays and Sharks.

Trying to touch the River Sturgeon

Reed's sad because he couldn't touch the sturgeon.

Exploring outside the aquarium.

Chillin'

Horsing around.

Closing out the trip with a refreshing ice cream cone.

Spring Break #2 - Nashville Zoo

Beautiful day at the Nashville Zoo! This is one of our favorite places. The kids are really into animals of all kinds right now. They get super excited when they see certain ones, especially the big cats.

Speaking of wild animals...look who we ran into.

We brushed the goats whether they wanted it or not.

The Clouded Leopards were a favorite. It's hard to see,
but there are two cubs in the shadows in the back.

Reed was crazy about the African Wild Dogs. He loves to watch them on the DVD Planet Earth.

We love the tigers!

Can you find my two monkeys in this picture?

Spring Break #1 - Gran's Here!

Gran came for a visit and the sun came out!

We had to show Gran all the things we like to do.

Like ride our scooters.

And ride bikes.

And shoot hoops!

And play football.

Gran's pretty good at football.

A little piano time.

We're so glad you came to visit. We had the best time.
Love you Gran!!!