A new movement is sweeping our nation. If you have
children in college, at least it appears to be! With my husband and I having
six kids between us (currently ranging in ages from 19 to 31), we’ve had plenty
of experience with having kids in college—and sending out those lovingly crafted packages that help far-away students feel at home. The funny thing is, neither my
husband nor I remember receiving any care packages when we were at university.
Either times have changed, or we had horribly bad parents.

At times, we’ve sent themed packages, centering on
a holiday when the kids wouldn’t be home, like Valentine’s Day or Halloween.
The package might include some homemade treats along with a few nifty gifties. The
sillier, the better, and the kids always enjoyed receiving the unexpected
surprises: ranging from pumpkin straws to blinking light rings, which
a few of them wore to parties. It really is the thought that counts, even when
your child is left wondering, What were
they thinking?

Just this week, I sent out another care package to
this particular child, who is our baby, hence the caboose in a long train of
siblings who’ve gone through schools: all of them out of state! Much to our
delight (and after some gentle nudging), Gordon opted to study at the
University of Virginia, which thrills us on two counts. One, he is just two
hours away, and two, we pay in-state tuition. This also means the United Parcel
Service can get a package to him by ground service overnight. What could be
more ideal for shipping a box of homemade apple cake, brownies and peanut
butter cookies? I mailed it the day before yesterday, and received a happy text
from Gordon that he and his roommates were already enjoying the goodies last
night!
Here is an easy recipe for one of the treats I
included.
1 cup of peanut butter (both smooth and crunchy
work great)
1 cup of sugar
1 egg
Blend everything together then form small 1 inch
balls and press flat with thumb on cookie sheets. Use fork to form cross-hatch
pattern in each cookie before baking at 350 degrees in a preheated oven. Bake
for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Our oven is
quirky, so when I’m baking two cookie sheets together, it takes 18 minutes for
both batches to be done.
Remove from oven and lightly press a Hershey’s
Kiss into the center of each cookie. For serious chocolate lovers, use
Hershey’s Special Dark Kisses. Let set on cookie sheet for five minutes then
remove to wire rack until completely cooled. Yield 20-24 cookies.
Do you send care packages to your children, or do
you remember getting them? Please share what you like to give—or once enjoyed
receiving as a student yourself. Gordon has three more years of college left,
so we’re looking for ideas!
* ~ * ~ *

I would get packages from my little sister who was in high school. Not elaborate, just a few fun things. One time she sent me M&Ms and all were green. This was a personal joke between us and somehow she managed to open a pack and reseal it without me realizing that's what she'd done. I called because I thought something might be wrong with them since they were all the same color. LOL!
ReplyDeleteHow cool that your sister did that! I'm sure you really enjoyed her special surprise. I mean, once you realized those M&Ms were actually okay to eat! Ha-ha! :)
DeleteThose care packages look like such fun! Both of my girls went locally, so there wasn't any need.
ReplyDeleteHow nice for your girls! And for you as well. I'm know you loved having them there, and they probably enjoyed some homemade treats hot from the oven!
DeleteYou are so thoughtful! Those cookies look delicious. I'll have to try the recipe.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan! I hope you like them. What I love about these cookies is that I always have the ingredients on hand, so they're great for last-minute baking. They're also super easy to make!
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