Celebrating the first day back at school

As today is our first day 'back at school' I thought I would share our traditions. We are a little early this year; normally we begin in september, but as we are taking a two week break in September, we started early this year.

Back To School -
Proverbs 2:2-6
So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Photographs in the morning
Alphabet Soup for lunch!
A back to school Tea Party..


Gingerbread Alphabet Cookies
Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter 3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup molasses 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. baking soda
Heat the oven to GM 4.
Directions
In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in the molasses and the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Then add the flour mixture to the butter mixture a little at a time, stirring well each time. Cover the dough and chill for at least 2 hours.
On a floured surface, roll the dough flat to a 1/4-inch thickness. Now your kids can cut out large letters with a butter knife.
With a spatula, set the letters on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cookies are set. Yield varies depending on the size of the letters.



Hot Mulled Cider
Pour 1/2 a carton of fresh apple juice into a large pot on the stove.
Place 1/4 teaspoon of whole cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of whole allspice, and 1 cinnamon stick onto a square of cheesecloth and tie up. Add to the pot.
Heat the cider to a boil, stirring regularly. Leave the pot uncovered so that you and your family can enjoy the warm, delicious aroma.
Once the cider boils, lower the setting to simmer for another 5 minutes to allow for thorough infusion of the spices. Stir occasionally.
Remove the spices from the pot and ladle hot mulled cider into mugs or other glasses designed for hot beverages.