Gift ideas for kids

I'm a firm believer in my kids giving holiday gifts that they've had a hand in. We also have a huge family if people to give to, so money becomes an issue.
This year's gifts for everyone have been so fun to make. I bought some inexpensive reusable bags and Crayola fabric markers and I've let the kids make as many of these as they want this year.
I bought the bags at www.storesupply.com - and who doesn't need an extra reusable bag?
(feel free to use this idea yourself)

Amy R.'s Blueberry Morning Delight

If you can't tell already, we love ourselves a yummy breakfast at MOPS. This recipe is for a favorite that Amy R. has made a few times for our group. Every time she makes it, she gets asked for the recipe. I've turned it into my family's favorite breakfast for Christmas morning.

1 loaf of challah bread or French toast bread cut into cubes

 1 block of cream cheese cut into cubes

 2 cup of blueberries

 2 cups of milk

 Dozen eggs

 1 tspn of vanilla

 1/3 cup of maple syrup

 1 cup of sugar

 2 tspn cornstarch

 1 cup of water

 2 tbspn of butter

 Grease 13x9” pan.  Place half of the bread cubes in the pan and layer with all of the cream cheese cubes & 1 cup of the blueberries and then place the rest of the bread on top.  Mix 2 cups of milk, 12 eggs beaten, 1 tspn vanilla, 1/3 cup of maple syrup in a large bowl, mix well and poor on top of bread.  Cover and refrigerate over night.  Remove pan from fridge about 30 min. before baking.  Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and bake 30 min covered, 30-35 min uncovered or when top is golden brown.  Lastly, in sauce pan mix 1 cup of sugar, 2 tspn of cornstarch, 1 cup of water & simmer 3-4 min.  Then mix in the last cup of blueberries, simmer for another 5 min and stir in 2 tbspn of butter.  Poor over top of French toast.

Welcome gifts

Did you like the welcome back gifts that were waiting for you at your seat this year?

Each MOPS momma received a handmade wristlet keychain that really helps make life easier when you're juggling 800 lbs of kid and supplies everywhere you go.  It helps not to lose your keys 10 times between the house and car, too.  These beautiful keychains were actually made by a mom artist herself.  If you're interested in seeing her store (these make great teachers' gifts and inexpensive birthday gifts for your friends, too)- check out the artist's store by clicking this link.

Melissa's Poppyseed Dressing

Ever tasted Melissa's fabulous spinach salad and wondered about the incredible dressing that she makes to go with it? (I did)  She let me take a picture of her well-loved recipe to post here for you ladies...

I believe she said that she just blends all the ingredients and then adds the poppy seeds last.

If you can't read the image, the recipe is:
1 small white onion
1 1/2 c sugar
2/3 c cider vinegar
2t dry mustard
1 1/2 t salt
2 cup oil
2-3 T poppy seeds

Melissa puts this over spinach salad - and usually includes strawberries in that yumminess.
Thanks for sharing, Melissa!