"7 minute icing"

Have you ever made 7 minute icing?? It's way yummy... but does NOT take 7 minutes. Here's a recap of how to make 7 minute icing.

Put all the ingredients and cook on low.... until it reaches a very particular temp.


Oh, and while it's coming up to temp - you have to CONSTANTLY beat the mixture.


Here's me about 12-13 minutes into the mixing process. This is when I realized that Andrew was VERY quiet. He's always quiet, but he was being super quiet. Grandma goes to check on him, and suggests that I go in... and she'll manage the mixture for a while.


Discover that Andrew's pulled a chunk of the ornaments of the tree for the second time today (ugh). How can you get mad when they are lined up so nicely?? Poor guy, I scolded him then grabbed the camera. Talk about mixed signals.


Go back, transfer the mixture into the KitchenAid and beat on high for "7" minutes... more like 25! We thought we'd be wise and use egg whites from a carton... yeah I'll never do that again.


Finally! Icing complete! Only took close to 45 minutes.


You know what? It was worth every minute. Mom loved her birthday cake! (I did too!)

The Magic of Christmas

Isn't that smile AMAZING? Yeah, I live for those. Santa came early this year- the morning before when left town. Who would have known that a Handy Manny singing/dancing tool box would get such a great response?

Here's an e-copy of our Christmas Card that we sent out to our family. If you're reading this blog - you probably are up to date on what's going on - but enjoy our little update. We hope that all of you are having a wonderful Christmas season. In my parent's ward today - There was a wonderful string quintet of Handel's Messiah - it was the perfect way to start off this week.


Quick Stinson Family Update:
Morgan Yep! He’s still in school! He’s staying very busy while he’s pursuing his PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy. He’s enjoying the University of Georgia and all of the things that is offers him. When he doesn’t have his nose in a book or at school he makes sure to stay updated on all of his favorite sports teams. Morgan also completed his first 10K this fall - we were all so proud of him! He’s also REALLY looking forward to the Boston Bruins Hockey game we are going to later this month!
Emily I’m loving being at home with Andrew, he’s such a sweet boy. I’m also working with the Young Women in the ward again, which I am thrilled for. I’m having a fun time with that. I trained for a 10K this spring/summer, but that was sadly sidelined due to a nasty ankle sprain (during a 5K nonetheless!) I’m getting back to running slowly and will hopefully be catching up with Morgan before long! I’ve also started an Etsy Shop called Elmwood Avenue, (www.elmwoodave.etsy.com). You should check it out! I’ve been having a lot of fun with it. I also recently got glasses for the first time - so that’s been a big adjustment!
Andrew He’s still our sweet boy. The terrible two’s haven’t hit yet. We’re choosing to call them the terrific two’s in our home. Let’s just hope he continues to feel the same. He stays busy lining up his toys, especially all of his trucks and cars. He’s gotten to be a pro with making TALL towers with blocks as well. Andrew also finished first in his age group in his first 5K this year (Morgan was pushing him in the jogger). He’s starting to talk a little, but continues to remain the strong silent type J. Morgan and I have been amazed with how much he’s grown and developed this year. We keep asking him to slow down, but he doesn’t listen J.

We hope that everything is going well with you! We also want to make sure you remember that we keep a family blog @ www.morganandemily.blogspot.com We hope that you have a VERY Merry Christmas as we reflect on the Birth of Christ. May we keep Him in the forefront of our minds during this season.

Etsy Sale!

Here's my shameless plug for my Etsy shop - Elmwood Avenue. I'm running a 20% off sale and free shipping this weekend only! Don't miss out. Use code hollyjolly at checkout! THANKS!!

5 YEARS!