Baptism Day

My niece was baptised this weekend. It wasn't long ago that my oldest was baptised and I remember how important that day was for us and how much we wanted her to feel the specialness of that event in her life.  I searched all over online to find little ways to make it just right. And, we came up with a few things that made the day extra special. For my nieces baptism we did some of the same things. So, since this is the second time this year I've had the chance to be a part of an important baptism day I wanted to share with you some of my favorite baptism day ideas.


For starters, I wanted a pretty dessert that was white.  I looked at all kinds of complicated recipes for candy, etc. and then decided that we would go for simple.  We filled three glass canisters with popcorn, mini powdered donuts, and white individually wrapped Lifesavers mints.
We also made a few trays of mini cupcakes (we used white cake mix and white cream cheese frosting)  The cupcakes were topped with white sparkle sugar or coconut flakes.  I thought it looked so pretty and the kids loved the buffet style dessert.  I think this would also be great for a blessing day.

Next, for my daughter's baptism  her grandma presented her with a several items that would remind her of the significance of her baptism day and the gift of the Holy Ghost. She has treasured those little items and takes them out to look at them often.  So, she wanted to present her cousin with some of the same special items.  Here is what she gave her on the morning of her baptism:

THE COMFORTER

We made a little no sew white fleece blanket and tied it around the edges.  I found some pretty ribbon and attached a note that said:

"The Holy Ghost can wrap you in warmth in give you comfort."

The blanket/comforter wouldn't fit into the little white bucket that we got but the rest of these items were inside the baptism container:

VOICE OF WARNING (whistle)

A whistle can signal that someone is in danger or needs help. Like this whistle, the Holy Ghost can warn you of dangerous paths or situations. Heeding the warnings of the Spirit can keep you safe and happy.

HEART

The heart is a reminder of how much Jesus loves you.

LIGHT

Let the Spirit light your path.

COMPASS

When you need direction in life the Holy Ghost can help you find your way.

At the last minute I thought of putting a little bottle of Nestle Pure Life bottled water with a little saying about being baptised and being washed clean in the water and then trying to live a Pure Life.  I included the bottle of water but didn't quite get the tag made.

I tried to get  a picture of the kids opening it together but my camera is not so stellar and the pictures didn't turn out.  But, they gathered around and read the tags and explained what they meant.  I hope that my niece will treasure it like my own little girl does.  Her day was just as special and perfect.  The baptism itself was what made the day so significant, of course, but the little extras made it even more memorable.

Krisy Kreme Rewards

I heard a rumor that Krispy Kreme will give kids one free donut for every "A" they have on their report card.  And, since we just recieved my daughter's report card in the mail we really wanted to try it out.  I'll admit, I'm a little chicken about stuff like this sometimes.  Why?  Because I don't want to waltz up to the donut counter with my kids and flash the report card only to recieve a weird look from the guy at the counter. When there's no flyer or poster or big promotion I'm sometimes afraid to ask. 

But, I had heard this a lot and my daughter assured me that it was true.  So, it was off to Krispy Kreme we went.  And, sure enough, we were showered with free donuts.

 I think I just became Krispy Kreme's biggest fan.  When we walked through the door they gave us each a free donut.  Then, when we showed them the report card they showered my daughter with praise and let her pick out six donuts of her choice.  She was quite flattered.

Then...then...., they gave us hats and the kids got to watch the donuts be fried and glazed and the conveyor belt. 

And as if this wasn't enough the guy in the back brought out some raw donut dough and showed the kids what it looks like before it rises and cooks.  They got to touch the dough and take it home.

There were enough sweet little rings for all of us.  I have one little cherub who was particularly happy about it.  She looked like she had just robbed a bank and gotten away with it.  She has a passion for food and a serious physique to keep up.  She ate two.  I know, what kind of mother lets her toddler eat two donuts....I was caught up in the moment....that's my only explanation.

We bought an extra half dozen just to support what a cool thing they are doing.

Did your kids get A's on their report cards this term?  If so, take a family outing to your local Krispy Kreme.  One donut for every A.  And, if you are nervous or just plain doubtful you can call ahead to make sure your store participates. 

P.S.-It's  only at actual Krispy Kreme Stores not at counter type stands (like the grocery store that sells them)

Straight "A" Pizza- (A cheap way to celebrate brainy kids)

We just got our first straight "A" report card at our house this week. We gave congratulations and high fives and when the hoopla settled down we were hit with "mom, when my friend gets all A's her family all goes out to dinner.".....

Well, that could get to be an expensive little tradition depending on how many children we end up with and how much they aspire to good grades. Plus, we had one kid with a double ear infection and two parents with some sort of icky cold that made us want to lay on the floor in our pajamas much more than get dressed up and go out. So, we came up with an impromptu tradition of our own, and, luckily it was accepted with excitement.

So, here is our new great report card day tradition:

A+ Pizza and Ice Cream

We decided that when you bring home a great report card we will make homemade pizza in the shape of an "A+" and adorn it with whatever toppings the "reported" chooses. (Which in our case means that we will be eating plain cheese pizza every time) We added in a choice of any flavor or style of icecream and it was a big hit.

If you need a great homemade pizza crust recipe I love this one: