Thursday, September 4, 2008

Welcome home surprises...

Yesterday's welcome home snack started with this note that led the kids on a treasure hunt throughout the house. I hid several clue scrolls that had them running up and down the stairs, laughing and squealing, "this is fun" the whole time. After a long search they finally ended up in the pantry where they found this:


Yummy welcome home snickerdoodles.
It was so fun to watch their excitement. How wonderful it is that with just a little preparation you can make a child's whole day.
I went ahead and re-hid everything to surprise the older girls when they got home, and if you think that kids get too old for these kinds of things, you should have seen them running through the house trying to discover the prize. It was a great way to welcome everyone home.
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When I picked Jamie up from school today she said that all day she kept wondering what snack she would find waiting for her this time. So cute.
Today I didn't have much time so I quickly whipped up a batch of Paula Deen's microwave peanut brittle, arranged it on our official after school snack cake plate and placed it next to a vase of fresh flowers and our welcome home sign. The kids were as thrilled as ever to find it and their smiles made my day.
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If you like peanut brittle you must try this recipe. It is so quick and easy and yummy too.
Microwave Peanut Brittle
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1- 1/2 cups salted peanuts (dry roasted)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons butter
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
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In a microwavable, 2-quart dish, combine corn syrup and sugar; blend well. Cook in microwave on high for 4 minutes. Stir in nuts and salt, return to microwave, and cook for 4 more minutes on high. Add butter and vanilla; blend well. Cook for 1-1/2 minutes on high. Remove from microwave and add baking soda, stirring until light and foamy. Pour onto a lightly greased cookie sheet or marble slab, spreading as thin as possible. Cool completely and break into pieces.
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It truly is the simple things that make life worthwhile. I love being a mom. I couldn't ask for a better job or better kids.
Bliss I tells ya, pure BLISS!

3 comments:

Bren's Life said...

Oh My Goodness! Can I live at your house too. Now I feel like the lamest mom in the world. I better start learning more from you. That is just so amazing that you do that!
Thanks for the inspiration & ideas. Your amazing..

Darce said...

Whatta great mom! How do you find the time?

MaryRC said...

dude, i totally copied you and had a welcome home snack, the kids loved it. rae said it was just like a party!