Animal Crackers

“Animal crackers and cocoa to drink,
That is the finest of suppers I think;
When I’m grown up and can have what I please
I think I shall always insist upon these.
What do YOU choose when you’re offered a treat?
When Mother says, ‘What would you like best to eat?’
Is it waffles and syrup, or cinnamon toast?
It’s cocoa and animals that I love most!

 

The kitchen’s the cosiest place that I know;
The kettle is singing, the stove is aglow,
And there in the twilight, how jolly to see
The cocoa and animals waiting for me.”
-Christopher Morley

 

 

The January snow was falling gently outside the kitchen window, covering our yard with a fresh dusting of pure white sparkles. Inside, we were warm and cozy, snuggled away from the cold. On this Friday morning, our kitchen was especially busy as little washed hands eagerly helped pat out the dough for their cookies.
A weekly tradition this winter is making the little ones some animal crackers. I have fond memories of munching away on animal crackers as a child! A homemade version is even more tasty – and healthier!

 

I was thinking — while the dough was being rolled out – how fun it is to still have itty bitty children in the house! It is a season of a second motherhood, in a way. It is so delightful to be blessed with little ones in the family. We have great adventures together!
When our family goes out in public, yes, we do draw attention with the amount of children. Why, I was asked recently,  DID you have so many children?

Yes, 10 babies.

Oh my, I feel so blessed. How can I explain the goodness of the Lord in His amazing blessings of our children?
Why did we have so many babies? 

Here is a good quote to ponder …

“We fancy that God can only manage His world by big battalions abroad,
when all the while He is doing it by beautiful babies at home. When a wrong wants righting, or a truth wants preaching,
or a continent wants opening, GOD SENDS A BABY INTO THE WORLD TO DO IT.
That is why long, long ago, a Babe was born in Bethlehem.”

 

 

Goosebumps form on my arms when I think of adding to God’s kingdom, one baby at a time. Children are blessings, not a burden – and raising them as Kingdom Children is the greatest – and most humbling – honour.

P.S. Here is the recipe for the tasty animal crackers. 🙂 The animal shapes were purchased from Amazon.

Animal Cracker recipe 

• 9 tablespoons (butter, softened
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamonMix the wet and dry ingredients separately. Mix together and chill the dough in the fridge for 20 minutes.
  Roll out dough (not too thick) on a floured surface and cut out with animal shapes. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool & enjoy!