Dear Friends,

This is the perfect time of year to make a vision board. It only takes poster board, pictures that correlate to your goals and dreams, scissors and glue.

What do you put on your vision board? A vision board can include big goals and dreams like starting a business or taking the family on a big vacation. It can also include little wishes like getting a new vacuum cleaner. Intentions are something else you can include such as connecting more with family or nurturing gratefulness in your life.

Instead of getting stuck with the shoulds and routine of life, vision boards can help you focus more on the what ifs and possibilities.

Five years ago, my daughter, Grace, and I made vision boards. Two of the dreams on my board came true in the past year. One was my vision for a house with a fireplace and water nearby. The other one was to get the Acorn and Button book finished and published. My husband and I bought a house this past January with a big, stone fireplace and a running creek 20 feet from the back porch. This past October I published the Acorn and Button book.

Is a vision board some crazy magic that makes your dreams come true? No. But it is a tool that makes you stop and think about what you really want out of life. At least it did that for me. Did I keep it on a wall where I could see it every day? Again, no. But there’s something about actually pasting the pictures on the board that’s affirmative and intentional. It helps you remember and re-focus.

Grace and I made new boards for this coming year. You can see them below. And yes, I do want that Miata!

​Happy New Year, friends! May the coming year bring contentment, productivity and peace!

The Christmas Star

It was a clear, cold night and the sky was filled with stars.

​”Look at that big star, Button.” Acorn pointed to a particularly bright star in the firmament.

Button looked up and said, “That reminds me of the Christmas Star.”

“Christmas Star?” asked Acorn and waited to hear more.

“I heard It was a sign to everyone that a child had been born,” Button continued. “He was born in a stable and was called Emanuel - God with us.”

“Where’s Emanuel now?” asked Acorn.

​Button  was quiet for a moment. “He’s still with us, Acorn.”

Dear Friends,
My son, Ben, just sent me a picture of my grand-daughter, Violet, reading Acorn and Button. I guess some things really are priceless. I know some of you bought Acorn and Button to give to your grandchildren. That gives me such tremendous satisfaction. Thank you. With a full heart I wish you the best this holiday season! Hug your little ones. They grow up fast.

Dear Friends,
A big thank you to all who have purchased books! You’ve made my day, as well as Acorn and Button’s! A newsletter will continue being sent out with chapter lesson plans as well as activities. Stay tuned! Below you’ll find an acorn cookie recipe that is super easy and fun. Thanks again!

“What are we doing today, Button?” asked Acorn.
We’re making a special kind of cookie, my friend,” Button replied.
“Whatever kind they are, I know they’ll taste good,” said Acorn.
“Of course! I’m an expert chef!” Button exclaimed. “I believe you’ll really like this cookie because it’s called the ACORN cookie!”
Acorn gulped and felt faint. “You mean it’s made out of acorns?” he asked, trembling.
“Good heavens, no!” Button looked stunned. “We’re not cannibals! The cookie just looks like an acorn.”
“In that case, I’m happy to help!” Acorn said and gave a little skip.

Acorn Cookies

​Ingredients:

1. 24 milk chocolate candy kisses (such as Hershey's Kisses®), unwrapped
2. 24 mini vanilla wafer cookies (such as Nilla®)
3. 24 butterscotch chips
4. 1 tablespoon prepared chocolate frosting (from a can).

Directions

1. Smear a small amount of frosting onto the flat bottom of a candy kiss. Press onto the flat bottom of the vanilla wafer. Smear a little more frosting onto the flat bottom of a butterscotch chip, and press onto the rounded top of the cookie. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Set aside to dry, about 30 minutes.