Christmas and Holiday Time

So this is the first year that we were able to make and decorate Christmas cookies that were allergy and intolerance-free. This recipe or  try these vegan cutout cookies.

This is the first year I was able to have an open house for new neighbours.

This is the first year that I received more Christmas cards from the UK than the USA.  

This is the first year that we have a two year old and I am not pregnant!

Lots to be thankful for.  My heart is full.

Have you taken a moment to breathe?  Have you taken a moment to just be quiet?

I was able to read One Morning in Maine to little Jennifer today, and she loved it, savoring every picture.  

When was the last time you stopped and just enjoyed the children? Or if you don't have children, when was the last time you called a friend just to say, I love you and I'm glad you're in my life?

Boxing Day traditions started today. 

Boxing Day Bacon and Egg Breakfast

Boxing Day Bath (for me! a rare occurrence)

Boxing Day Building (Lego! and just today, a remote control car that had to be built from scratch)

Boxing Day Bible (certainly should be first in the list)

Boxing Day Breathing (essential oils help with this)

Happy New Year 2015!!

Another Birthday, Another chance to eat cake!

 We started off the day at 6am, so that Daddy could be part of the celebrating.  David is 7 today, and we're so thankful for him.  To help him not get too focussed on himself, the other children were each given an UNbirthday present.  Even Jenny, who is 2 1/2 got into the action helping her big sister open some girlie Mega Blocks. (similar to Lego)  Inbetween school subjects, we had a cake and ice cream eating fest, which you can only do in homeschooling!
He asked for a Ninja cake, with a  tornado on top.  There were Ninja figures, and there was a mess of frosting, but it ended up looking more like a volcano than a tornado.  Hey-ho, he was happy!
We baked this!
You all need to try this cake.  So easy, so delicious! And the frosting, well, that was the kid's favourite part.
Some powdered sugar (about 180 g), some margarine/coconut oil (about 125 g), 1 tsp. Vanilla, HAND MIX, until you think your arm will fall off, then presto--- smooth, yummy, melt in your mouth sweetness. I give all credit to this lovely lady at Azelia's kitchen.
Chocolate Icing recipe.
Forgive my lack of postings recently-- we have had a tough start to the year, with several illnesses.  I have realized my limitations, and am trying to better balanced with this new self-knowledge.  Here's to a bright 2015, and many more vegan gluten free CAKES!