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I know by now everyone has heard about the horrific tragedy that took place in CT on Friday. My heart has been breaking as I pulled my kiddos a little bit closer to my side this weekend. I found myself noticing the little things that I normally take for granted. A few more hugs and “I love you’s” were given as we spent the weekend together! To lose a child in such a way is beyond my comprehension. We can’t even imagine the pain and agony the parents and families are feeling right now. My hope and prayer is that they will know that there are so many other families and communities lifting them up in prayer right now.
We did talk about it with out kids and explained some of what happened, so we could pray together as a family for the community in Newtown. Their eyes were wide with concern as they struggled to understand why someone would do such a thing. There is nothing we can do physically to prevent these things from happening, but we can hold tight to the fact that we are loved by an almighty Father in Heaven who loves us and has a plan, even when we can’t comprehend how something like this fits into that plan. Life on earth is fragile and fleeting. Take time each day to enjoy your families, to find joy in the midst of trials, and to love a little bit more. I know I will!!!
This holiday season we have been trying a new holiday tradition. We wanted to do more things as a family, and in light of the recent events, I believe it is a tradition that we will be doing again. We have 12 days of Christmas planned for our kids. They were excited when we told them about it…mainly because they thought it was 12 days of gifts for them.
BUT…it is so much more than just gifts. We are also just doing things together or helping others. The first night we sat down and worked on Christmas cards. A little fact about me…I am a little OCD when it comes to things like that. I like things done a certain way, and I like that way to be perfect. But I also have gotten behind in things this year and knew I could use the help. This year we did the cards as a family. Are the snowmen colored perfectly? Are the pieces cut just right? No, but do you know what??? I am actually ok with that. It was a fun night of just being together.
Another thing we are doing together is baking cookies and fudge and sending them to our family. This fudge is so easy to make…and to eat:-) My kids love to help me pour the ingredients in the pan.
Kids are also awesome candy cane crushers btw…and spoon cleaners:-)
I have another fun and exciting giveaway for you today. Tasha from In Flair Form Design Co. is giving away a set of Thirty-One products. You will receive three sizes of cute and useful totes (all in fun, holiday-themed patterns), plus a red rosette hair clip! The prize is worth $99 and includes:
- Large Utility Tote in Gifts For All print with Polar Bear Icon and embroidery that reads “Beary Merry” ($45 retail value)
- Medium Utility Tote in Snowmuchfun print with embroidery that reads “Let it Snow!” ($37 retail value)
- Littles Carry-All Caddy in Gifts For All print ($12 retail value)- Flat Rosette Clip in Red ($5 retail value)
We are Thirty-One Independent Sales Consultants – so, people can have home/book/online paties and place orders for Thirty-One products through us. What sets us apart from other Thirty-One Consultants, however, is our Bridal and Baby Shower “Fun”draisers. I work with the bride-to-be or mother-to-be (the Hostess) to compile a Wish List of Thirty-One products they would like to receive as gifts from their shower or party guests. I then turn their Wishlist into an online gift registry allowing the guests to shop online. Then, once the guest shopping is done, I help the Hostess pick out her Hostess Rewards earned from the guest sales AND donate 50% of In Flair Form’s personal profit to her for purchasing additional product – so it’s like a fundraiser for her wedding or pregnancy.”
Tasha sent me a large utility tote and a thermal warmer to try out. The utility tote is great for keeping in the back of your van/car for grocery shopping. It fits perfectly in the back of my van. We have been using it to bring in the groceries each time. I love only having one bag to carry instead of 10 small ones. And the thermal tote, well, I can’t say because my daughter laid claim to it as soon as she saw it. She has been taking it to school every day:-) It is safe to say that it works great!
Don’t forget to enter to win a mini iPad HERE!!!!
Need more fudge recipes for your holiday trays this year?
Maybe one of these would be just perfect for you…
Easy white chocolate chip fudge with candy cane jello and candy cane pieces...a very festive holiday fudge.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine the white chips, butter, salt, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until melted and creamy. Add the pudding mix and stir another 1-2 minutes until creamy and dissolved.
- Stir in the marshmallow cream and candy canes and a small amount of gel food color. (if you don't add the food color, it will not be very pink.) Remove from heat and let cool 2 minutes.
- Stir in the chocolate chips very quickly. Pour into an 8x8 pan that has been lined with wax paper. Do not stir too much or the chocolate chips will melt completely. Some swirling is to be expected. Refrigerate until set.
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*Inside BruCrew Life was provided with a large utility tote and a thermal tote. All opinions are my own.
Shared on: Craftomaniac, Mix it Up, Melt in Your Mouth, Bulletin Board, Make the Scene, Open Call, Take A Look, Talent Show, Crazy Sweets, Lil Luna, What’s In Your Kitchen, Whatsits, Pin It, Chic & Crafty, Happy Hour, I’m Lovin It,
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Jocelyn is the baker, photographer, and writer behind Inside BruCrew Life. She is married to her best friend, and they have three great kids. She spends her days baking sweet treats, and then trying to find ways to give the treats away without eating them all. Grab a cup of coffee and visit while she shares life from their kitchen.
That fudge looks yummy!
The Witch’s Kitchen recently posted..How would you like~
My heart pours out to those as well. It is such a heartbreaking tragedy. The thought of how many children over the country now scared to go to school. My heart breaks.
This fudge looks divine – it reminds me of my own candy cane chocolate chip fudge!
sally @ sallys baking addiction recently posted..raspberry swirl sweet rolls.
I know it is incomprehensible what happened to those children and their families. I am glad that you are taking the time to do such fun things with your family! We are spread all over the country so it is nice to read how others celebrate together! I am obsessed with Thirty one Bags! I have them all over my house! What a fun Giveaway! Thanks For linking up at Show Me Your Plaid Monday’s!
Chandra@The Plaid and Paisley Kitchen recently posted..Show Me Your Plaid Monday’s #3
This was such a touching post
It is heartbreaking. Regarding the totes, they ROCK! I love my thirty-one totes for shopping as well. And your fudge looks delicious! I keep saying I need to try these out and then space them out, I’m putting this on in the calendar to make on Tuesday!
Michelle Muckala recently posted..Free Meal Planning and Prepping Guide – Subscribe Now!
You definitely need to try these…although don’t blame me when you can’t stop sampling:-)
This fudge looks amazing!!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..Cookie Delivery Printable {Teacher Love}
yes please, with fudge on top! All kinds of good going on here tonight!
Karyn – Pint Sized Baker recently posted..Dressed Up Peep Pops
The fudge looks incredible, Jocelyn! And I am totally OCD about stuff, too. The placement of things has to be symmetrical, and blah blah. But spending time with your family and having the kiddos help–definitely makes up for the fact if a couple of stamps are crooked or something
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..The ULTIMATE Christmas Treats Roundup!
I’m glad I’m not the only one that has to have things a certain way:-) This year though, I am loving the colors out of the lines and the crooked cards…it was fun!!!
I love the sound of your 12 days of Christmas! What a great tradition to start and the fudge looks sooo good!
Tonia@thegunnysack recently posted..Southwestern BLT ~ DIY Gourmet Sandwich For The Busy Mom
This sounds so yummy! I’ve pinned it! Thanks for sharing and have a very Merry Christmas!
My thoughts as a mother are pretty much the same as yours. It’s just…so…incomprehensible and makes you want to hug your kids even tighter!
Fudge helps bring some smiles
Averie @ Averie Cooks recently posted..Funfetti Cake Batter Blondies
This fudge is so pretty! I love the swirls and pieces of candy cane that show through. While not much can fix our spirits or the lives of people who have been affected by last weeks tragedy, it’s good that it has reminded all of us to cherish the time we do have together and give lots of hugs!
Elaine @ Cooking to Perfection recently posted..Gingerbread Scotchies
Oh my this looks good!!! You know how much I love fudge…I could use some of this
Aimee @ ShugarySweets recently posted..Candy Cane Oreo Cookies Bars
The recipes look amazing!
I feel the sadness too…there are no words to describe what the parents must be going through
Visiting from Melt in Your Mouth Monday – this looks great, perfect for the holidays, and a variety from the other fudge recipes!
Cherry recently posted..Crunchy Apple Salad
My heart is aching as well. Our priest gave a beautiful sermon yesterday that really calmed my heart, but it is still heavy with sorrow. This weekend was our last weekend together as a family before my girls leave for Utah, so it was even more important than ever to enjoy one another’s company.
oh my gosh, I LOVE the combo of mint and chocolate. Perfect for the holiday season! All those fudge recipes look fabulous, as well!!
My heart is heavy with grief, too. I haven’t stopped hugging my little one since I picked him up from school last Friday. I think he’s getting tired of my smooches by now, but I don’t care.
So, I love fudge and I love peppermint–perfect combination!!
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Outside My Kitchen {with Panera Soup}
Seems to me Jocelyn, that you have perfected fudge. You are my new go to person for fudge! I love the 12 days of Christmas idea! Especially since kids are so handy! They are so helpful when it comes to unwrapping candy for baked goods!
Tanya Schroeder recently posted..Cookies and Crafts for Sandy Hook
My heart breaks for those families + those affected as well. Even now, as I’m watching the Today Show, the stories are enough to make me cry in a heartbeat. I’m so happy to hear about the wonderful traditions you have and are making with your family – it’s lovely to hear about happy, bright moments even as we struggle to comprehend tragedy. And your fudge looks amazing!
amy @ fearless homemaker recently posted..Andes Mint Chip Cookies
Great post and the fudge looks fantastic. Come and visit us this week. We are having a wonderful giveaway from a very talented Southern author.
We should be fudge friends!
I can see why you have an addiction to fudge too and your candy cane chocolate chip fudge sounds so awesome.
I’m guilty of not spending enough time with my children. The events of Newton, CT make you realise just how blessed we are. Such a tragic deeply unhappy time.
Lisa {Sweet 2 Eat Baking} recently posted..Peppermint Christmas Lollipops
These are a show-stopper!! Stunning display! Nice work!
Found you on Whatsits! So glad I did, all of your fudge recipes look so good!
Roxana recently posted..A New Year’s Tradition With Children
Hi, Roxana. I am so happy to “meet” you too. I hope you enjoy reading my blog:-)
I have never made fudge- I want to try this! YUM!
Holly Lefevre recently posted..Glitter Your Holidays (Martha Stewart Crafts Giveaway)
Never made fudge? Oh girl, you need to try one of these pudding versions. Sooooo easy and fail proof. Well, as long as you add the right amount of ingredients:-)
I so want to try but after looking at my local WallyWorld for the pudding mix i just have to ask where did you find the candy cane pudding mix?
I found the candy cane pudding at our local Meijer. I know it is a a seasonal pudding so I’m not sure how long the stores carry it. You could also use a vanilla pudding mix and a packet of Duncan Hines Peppermint Stick frosting creations. It is another seasonal item, so I don’t know how long that will be available either. My fingers are crossed you find one or both.
Oh my yumminess….and what a great collection…love it ! pinning..xo
that looks toooo delicious!!! i love candy canes!
Thanks so much for linking to Make the Scene Monday @ Alderberry Hill. You are being featured later this evening!
Have a fantastic new year!