a snuggly way to give ♥

There is still time to be part of something really cool this holiday season!  A friend of ours has a son who is collecting fleece and/or blankets to deliver to Children's Hospital for a school project. This young man has had two open- heart surgeries and the last time he was there, he was given a tie fleece blanket. He was so touched by the gesture. His school project is called "Do Hard Things" and we just think it's AWESOME! It was so great to make with my kiddos and to pray for each person/child that would be cozying up with it! If you'd like to be a part of the project, you can e-mail me at : laurajane223@gmail.com I can drive to pick it up from you :) I would need to get the fleece from you by January 2nd. Thanks so much!.... and if you can't be part of it...pray for these dear kids. And hug your healthy kids :) Merry Christmas!!!

sweet treats

These cutie pies make a fun lil way of gifting treats to teachers (or anyone)! They were so quick and simple. Really. Put with a coffee gift card, we hope this will bring a smile to their teachers.

what you need:
small jar
toddler (or infant if using smaller jar) sized socks...put sock on jar and cut the sock off before the heel
puff balls (glued to string)
string
googly eyes
orange card stock (cup into trapezoid shape, roll and glue)

*I used a hot glue gun for everything and used my favorite Dove peppermint bark chocolates! (but it would also be super cute with puppy chow/Muddy Buddies!)

Gingerbread play dough

Play dough never smelled so good! The recipe came home in my daughter's backpack yesterday! We have been playing with this all afternoon and I just have to share! It smells SO YUMMY!!!

gingerbread play dough

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup salt

2 tsp cream of tartar

1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 tsp. ground cloves

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil

1 cup water

1 tsp orange extract (optional)

(*I doubled this recipe for my 4 kids)

Instructions:  In a medium saucepan whisk together dry ingredients. Next mix in the water, oil and orange extract and stir until a thick batter is formed. Cook the mixture over low/medium heat until a thick dough forms. Turn out onto parchment paper (or non stick cooking sheet) and knead until smooth. makes about 2 cups of dough.....or 4 :)

keep stirring! It takes a little while to get nice and thick!

HAVE FUN!!! :)