Psalm 27:11

E.’s memory verse for Awana this week was Psalm 27:11. Here is a short video of him saying it last night, complete with his Cubbies vest on. (Cubbies is the name of his group of 3-5 year olds.) He did really well considering the little “distraction” he had to wave off!


A yummy Valentine’s Day
The night before Valentine’s Day the kids and I made cut-out cookies. Though it takes longer than other recipes, we used my all-time favorite sugar cookie recipe. However, because I knew I wouldn't have time to color the frosting to decorate them, we colored the dough instead! This was a first for me and it was a little frightening—I had to keep telling myself that it wasn’t playdoh! In case you are looking for a great cut-out cookie recipe, I have it included below (courtesy of Family Fun magazine). Important note: the flour becomes extremely hard to stir, so this recipe is not easily doubled. I would suggest just making separate batches. Enjoy!

Check out my book list!
In case you didn't notice, I added a new area to the righthand side of my blog—“What I am currently reading.” Choose the Life is the study we are currently doing with our small group. We only have two chapters left to read. The Shack is a fictional book that Tyler received for Christmas. It is really good; I may end up finishing it this weekend if I wear the kids out enough that they go to bed earlier than normal! And I just started the final book, Tortured for Christ. It is the testimony of the founder of Voice of the Martyrs, an organization that aids persecuted Christians around the world. It is surreal that Christians are still tortured for their faith, but while in Chicago we frequently received emails or newsletters from missionary friends in “locked down” countries that are under this very real threat. If you click on the book title, it will take you to their website where you can request the book for free. That's right—totally for free, no strings attached. Seriously; that is how I got a copy!

Crazy kiddo weekend
I am anticipating a crazy weekend this weekend. Tyler is going to a two-day conference here north of the city for eating disorders and addictions. That leaves me greatly outnumbered in the house: parents-1; kiddos-3. I have been trying to brainstorm things to do with them, but haven't come up with much yet. I wish it were warm outside! I think we may go to the mall play area and I told E. that I would teach him how to tie his shoes. We are also going to make banana bread and chicken noodle soup. So, what to do with all of those other hours in the day? Anyone have any suggestions? And, “driving to Ohio” is not a viable answer! =)

And now, the recipe!
Family Fun Sugar Cookies
1 c. unsalted butter
3/4 c. sugar
1 large egg
1 t. vanilla extract
1/4 t. salt
2.5 c. flour
frosting

1. Cream the butter and then gradually add the sugar.
2. Beat in the egg until evenly mixed, then blend in the vanilla and salt.
3. With a wooden spoon, stir in the flour 1/3 at a time until blended.
4. Divide dough into thirds. Roll out each portion until about 3/4" think and wrap individually in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for 1.2-2 hours. [I normally leave it overnight.]
5. Roll out the dough, one portion at a time, on lightly floured wax paper until about 1/4" thick. [I normally use powdered sugar instead of flour to keep the cookies sweet.] Slide the wax paper onto a baking sheet and chill 15 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
7. Cut out the dough and bake 10-13 minutes on greased cookie sheets. Cool on sheets for two minutes before cooling completely on wire racks. [Note: the greatest part about these cookies is that they don't turn brown or crusty on the edges, so don't look for browness as a sign of doneness.]
   
8. Decorate when cool.

Makes approximately 2 dozen.