Enjoy the Journey, Heaven Awaits

For Christmas we gave the baby a stroller for her own babies.  It took her less than a week to figure out she fits in her new dolly stroller.  Oh boy. 
The last doll stroller we had (about 10yrs ago) was held together with massive amounts of duct tape by the end of its life (well, its life here.  Believe it or not, a kind grandma bought it on our garage sale, for her grandbabies to play with).  I imagine this one will be in the same shape within a matter of time.

You see, even though I know it won't last forever, or even a long time, this stroller is worth it, for the experience.  For the lessons it teaches, and the compassion & confidence it creates.

She's changing as a little mommy, as she uses this stroller.  She's independently taking her baby on walks across the house, saying 'so long' to us, and confidently going on her way, stopping every few feet to check on her "sweetie".

I pray each of you have times in your life that you go for what you want, even though you know it won't last forever.  Experience life.
Experience the joys, even knowing the end may not be your ideal ending (covered in duct tape, heart ache, whatever it may be). 
Life is worth living.  Just as our old doll stroller had a life with that kind grandma, after it left here, there is life after our lives here on Earth.
Smile.
Enjoy the journey.
Heaven awaits.

Amazon's Daily Deal- Board Games

Family and Strategy Board Games

Today only, save up to 50% on select family and strategy board games over at Amazon.  Our favorite, Spot It, is at the top of the list and is at the lowest price I've seen it!
If you have Amazon prime, these will arrive before Christmas.  If not, consider a free trail (link on the right hand side of my page, scroll towards the bottom).  You are under no obligation to continue your prime trial membership and can cancel at anytime.

-Affiliate link.

Grandma's No Roll Sugar Cookies

Today my mom (granny) came over for a day of making Christmas goodies with the grandkids. 

We used my late mother-in-law's recipe for these no roll sugar cookies.  My mother-in-law, Dorothy, was the real baker.  She spent each December making an assortment of cookies that really could put any local bakery to shame. 

While we didn't get nearly as extravagant as she would've, I think our efforts today would have made her a little proud. 

These cookies taste just fine how they are and are easy to store (& freeze) this way. 
We are planning to let all the kids frost these at Christmas as an activity. 

It will be super simple whip up a batch of frosting the day of the decorating.

Growing Grateful Kids: Even When You're Tired & it Doesn't Seem to Matter Much

Of all the Build-a-Bears in the house, the 7yr old suddenly needed this one tonight.
  To be truthful, I thought about telling him to grow up & look for it in the morning. 

Because really:
1. It was already a full hour or better past bedtime.
2. I had no idea where to even start looking for it, since we hadn't seen it for months. So why does he need it now? Right now.
3. He's plenty old enough to not need a stuffed animal.
4.  I was h-angry. So hungry it made me angry.
5. I was still trying to paint a canvas and didn't particularly want to be interrupted.

Instead though, I chose to offer compassion & sympathy to my hurting child.  I didn't really get it, but I scoured the house anyway. Fast.
  The minutes went by and I wasn't having any luck.  I feared I had sold it on a garage sale...
Finally I found it in a basket under the toddler's crib.  Goal!
He was so grateful to hug his Buddy Bear again. I wish y'all could've seen the look I his face when he embraced that bear.

You found it!   Thank you mama! My buddy bear!

#GrowingGratefulKids

Recipe: Warm Coconut Cream Cheese Goo

I <3 warm satisfying sweets on cold wintery days. 

 

 

This has been my go-to when I'm craving something nectarous & savory.

In a skillet, warm these things together until you can easily stir them up (don't worry about measurements, just use your own judgment):
Shredded Coconut
Cream Cheese
Almond Flour

Peanut Butter
Chocolate Chips

A little water
Oatmeal- I don't usually add this, unless I have to share with the kids, then I throw it in to bulk it up.

 

Does it look totally gross?  You betcha.  But TRUST ME, it tastes AMAAAAAZING.  How could you go wrong with coconut and chocolate?  You just can't!