This Year We Did It!

Now I am sure you’ll have seen this idea on Easter cookies before. I have had it for several years waiting for the kiddos to be old enough “to get it”. This past weekend we finally went through the steps. My kids SOOOOO got into this. And Hannah was so excited. She keep saying “Gabe really gets this mom!”. We had lots of smiles all around. It was a great way to share God’s word with them.



Here are all the ingredients that you will need


1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible


Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important to do before you start the mixing)

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 Romans 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 1 cup 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.  {Yes little man could not wait!}

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.

Easter is about so much more than bunnies and chocolate eggs. Make a memory with your children as you teach them about the amazing sacrifice of our Savior.

However, 5 seconds after taping the oven shut Gabe dog piled his sister. I told them to take it in on the carpet {not thinking they really would}.

Where Gabe proceeded to dog pile her again.

Death by toxic fumes, BOYS!

But there is a 5 year difference between the two. And, as of now, Hannah has him on size.

And took him down 1...2...3... Ahh… sibling love!