Kids

  • CONGRATULATIONS to Our Winner!

    The name has been drawn for the giveaway!

    CONGRATULATIONS to Janna Lamison

    for winning

    3 Music CD’s by Suzi Shelton including her newest release “Tomboy In A Princess Dress”!

    Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!

    An email has been sent to you with more information*

    *Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced.  Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.

  • Blessing Lives Everyday with Special Surprises (B.L.E.S.S.): 25 Days of Christmas Blessings (Week 3)

    Sharing goodies

    We have entered our third week of our 25 Days of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. (Blessing Lives Everyday with Special Surprises).  It has been a real joy doing these fun events everyday.  In some cases we get to see who receives our B.L.E.S.S. gift and in other cases we will never know who is on the receiving end.  We pray that whoever receives or finds these gifts will experience joy during this Holiday Season.  Each night we take down the B.L.E.S.S. activity for the next day and read the verse and the activity then pray for those who have and will receive our little BLESS’ings.

    Here is what we have done so far and a couple pictures to share of our adventures:

    • Day 12– Paid for the person’s meal behind us in line at the drive through.  The girls were giggling as we drove away.  They had fun thinking about the responses the people behind us would have as they drove up to the window to pay for their meal.
    • Day 13 – Delivered the goodies for Jake’s team at work.  They had a lot of fun with their new “toys”!
    • Day 14 – Sent a “surprise” gift to someone who we hadn’t seen in awhile.  Love being able to bring unexpected sunshine into someone’s day.  
    • Day 15 – Put together goody bags and made treats for the girls classmates at school.  The girls picked up what they wanted to make and helped then put all the items into the goody bags with very little supervisor.  They were excited to spread the Christmas Cheer with their friends.
    • Day 16 – Gave the girls teacher, school staff, and the kids in their class some Christmas goodies.  We had a blast celebrating with their class and taking baskets of goodies to people.
    • Day 17 – Put a card and Christmas goodies into the mailbox for our mailman.  The girls thought it was awesome putting fun stuff into the mailbox.  It took them several minutes to figure out the “best” way to place the goodies so the mailman will see them.
    • Day 18 – taped some coins to the vending machines at a local store for the next person to use.

    Goodies for our mailman

    One of our favorite verses this week went along with our Day 17  activity. 

    Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others – Philippians 2:4

    I am super excited to see how great this B.L.E.S.S. activity is going already.  It has been a true joy sharing with others (many of whom we’ll never meet).  It has been a great experience and I look forward to seeing what will happen with our fun adventures this week.

    Sharing another “Citrus Hand Scrub Kit” 

    I was not able to snap as many pictures as we were doing the activities this week because I felt like it was more important to participate in the activities then to get the “perfect” picture.  The main purpose of this activity is to teach our family the joy of giving and sharing to those around us.  I plan to do another update on our fun B.L.E.S.S. adventures next week.  Sometimes it’s the little stuff that can make the most positive impact.  I would love to hear how you are spreading the Christmas cheer this Holiday Season.

    To learn more about our 25 Days of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activity and what we have done far check out the links below:

    Teacher and school staff presents!

    I have been asked by a number of people for a printable version of the 25 Days of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities, verses, and sheets to handout so here they are for your family to enjoy as well:

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    Last week was full for Christmas Celebrations, activities, and work travel.  I am thankful to have Jake back at home with us and look forward to spending some quality time with my family over the Christmas Holidays.  The girls are now out of school so I debated whether or not to do a goal list this week because I want to make sure to spend any “extra” time with them.  I am going to try to keep it short this week for that reason.

    Here is the update on last weeks goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week
    4. Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed) – had a couple late nights, really need to work on doing better with this one.
    5. Do the 25 Day of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities with the girls this week

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – did a few days
    2. Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday and Thursday – with Jake out of town I stayed up later to work on projects instead of going to bed on time
    3. Finish reading The 60-Minute Money Workout by Ellie Kay – got it started
    4. Start Reading and listen to the next section of  Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper

    Home Management Goals

    1. Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
    2. Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
    3. Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday) – it was late a couple nights
    4. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    5. Wrap and send out all Christmas Cards / Presents that need shipped or mailed

    Business Goals

    1. Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
    2. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    3. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    4. Review my 2011 Business Goals and start planning ones for 2012 – didn’t even look at them this week with all the busy activities going on

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
    2. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Pay off remaining debt – working on it
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses – finishing up the debt so we can get rolling on this one

    Here are my goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
    2. Read a book to the girls everyday
    3. Do the 25 Day of Christmas B.L.E.S.S. activities with the girls this week
    4. Spend extra time with my family while the girls are on Christmas Break!

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
    2. Listen to Dave Ramsey’s Dumping Debt audiobook

    Home Management Goals

    1. Get suitcase packed for our business / family trip
    2. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    3. Wrap all the Christmas Gifts

    Business Goals

    1. Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
    2. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts

    Ministry Goals

    1. Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Pay off remaining debt

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

    Why Share My Goals?

    • To keep me accountable
    • To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
    • To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
    • Create healthy habits in my life
    • To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn

    How did you do this week on your goals?  Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.

    The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results

  • Pampers Gifts to Grow – 5 Free Points

    You can receive another 5 free points from Pampers with a new Gifts to Grow code!

    This code is different from the previous codes I have given.

    Use Code:  TWITVJB16CD2011

    The code didn’t have an expiration date but they usually expire in a few days so be sure to add it to your account soon!

    You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts!

    For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!

  • Book: “The Family Read-Aloud Christmas Treasury” selected by Alice Low

    Several years ago I picked up this book The Family Read-Aloud Christmas Treasury selected by Alice Low at a local Goodwill store.  The girls love getting this book out every year and reading through the many (over 50) Christmas stories and poems.  It includes a mix of traditional Christmas stories.  I like that it has The Birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-20 in the book and other religious stories as well as a few  stories about Santa, Snowmen and more.  I think the “make believe” stories are neat to read with the girls as long as they know the true meaning of Christmas.  Probably one of my favorites is at the very end of the book:

    The Joy of Giving

    by John Greenleaf Whittier

    Somehow, not only for Christmas

    But all the long year through,

    The joy that you give to others

    Is the joy that comes back to you;

    And the more you spend in blessing

    The poor and lonely and sad,

    The more of your heart’s possessing

    Returns to make you glad.

  • Gift Giving: Christmas S’mores in a Jar

    My friend Bre shared this adorable jar of goodies with us.  If you are looking for a fun teacher or neighbor gift this is a great idea.  It is called “Smores in a Jar”.  The gift is beautiful and tasty, the perfect combination!  Here’s what you do:

    Smores in a Jar

    What you Need:

    • 1 Mason Jar
    • 1 cup Crushed Graham Crackers
    • 1 cup Holiday M&Ms
    • Marshmallows
    • Fabric
    • Paper & Tape

    Layered Ingredients:

    Wash and dry the mason jar.  Add the crushed graham crackers to the bottom of the jar.  Pour in the M&M’s and fill the remaining spacing (approximately 1 cup) with miniature Marshmallows.

    Print Out these Directions:

    1. Remove Marshmallows and set aside
    2. Combine ingredients in the jar with 1/2 cup melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla
    3. Press mix into a 9 inch square baking pan
    4. Place marshmallows on top
    5. Bake at 350 degree for 15 minutes
    6. Cool Completely
    7. Cut into bars and enjoy!

    Cut out a circle in the fabric 1 inch larger than the lid of your jar and place on the top then screw down the ring.  Tape the directions on the outside of the jar and give as a gift!

  • Gift Giving: 12 Days of Christmas Appreciation

    12 Days of Christmas Appreciation

    Last year I did the 12 days of Christmas for the girls so this year as I was putting together the 12 Days for the girls I was thinking about ways I could be a blessing for my husband as well.  I wanted to do the 12 Days of Christmas for him but the problem is he is traveling for work several days prior to Christmas.  He travels pretty lightly so for me to squeeze in an extra few gifts into his suitcase would be difficult.  I thought about doing 12 Days of  “Love Notes” but I already send him a folder when he travels with “I Love You” notes from myself and the girls.  I eventually came up with 12 gifts and  “love notes” for my husband’s 12 Days of Christmas Appreciation that would easily fit into his suitcase.

    Here is what my 12 Days of Christmas includes:

    Day 1:  You stole a “Piece” of my heart! (Reese’s Pieces)

    Day 2:  We are “mint” to be together! Love You!  (Junior Mints)

    Day 3:  Thanks for being my “lifesaver” so many times! (Life Savers)

    Day 4:  We know how to have a “jolly” good time together! (Jolly Rancher)

    Day 5:  You are the brightest “star” in my sky! (Starburst)

    Day 6:  I call you “sweet”pea because you are the “sweet”est part of my life! (Sweet Tarts)

    Day 7:  You are an amazing Daddy to our “kids”! (Sour Patch Kids)

    Day 8:  You have o”fish”ally stolen my heart! (Swedish Fish)

    Day 9:  You are my “M”agnificant & “M”arvelous life partner! (M&Ms)

    Day 10:  You are my “Baby”love and my “Baby”cake!  (Sugar Babies)

    (“BabyLove” & “BabyCake” are two of the nicknames I have for my man, just ask the kids!)

    Day 11:  You are my smokin “hot” man! (Hot Tamales)

    Day 12:  I love traveling and going to “Charleston” with you handsome!  (Charleston Chews)

    Once that was done I wrapped the boxes, put a bow on top, and set it up for him.  The neat part about using these boxes is they are all fairly uniform in size so they make putting your 12 Days of Christmas Appreciation stack together really easy.  You can put together this entire stack of gifts for under $12 if you paid full price for everything.  Walmart sells these boxes for $0.98 each everyday so if you can find some of them on sale at another store or use your Extra Care Bucks at CVS or Register Rewards at Walgreens you could easily put this together for less than $5.  If you don’t have time to put this together for Christmas consider doing it for Valentine’s Day (for your “sweetheart”), the month of your anniversary, your spouse’s birthday, or another special occasion.  The point is to express your love and appreciation for your spouse.

    The girls helped me pick out a couple of the boxes of candy.  They were excited about his gifts and told me that “Daddy is nice so he will probably share some of his candy with us.”  You know what, they are right!  Their Daddy is sweet and generous which means the girls will most likely get a taste of his 12 Days of Christmas Appreciation.  Here’s a picture of the wrapped stack:

    12 Days of Christmas Appreciation Stack

    I am grateful for a loving, caring and hard working man that loves me despite all my craziness.  This is just one way to share my love with him not only for the Christmas Holiday but remind him even when he is away from home that I love him dearly.  It was a lot of fun putting together the sayings, wrapping the gifts and giving them to my man to put into his suitcase. It is my intention to show appreciation to my husband at least once a day.  Thankful for an extra opportunity to say “I love you” to my best friend and life partner!

    I received my inspiration from The Dating Divas after seeing her “You stole a “Piece” of my heart!” and “You have o”fish”ally stolen my heart!”   After the jump start on the idea I came up with the other goodies and sweet sayings for my hubby.

  • Recipe: Rice Krispy Christmas Wreath

    As a kid I remember my Aunt Becky making mini Christmas Wreaths with Rice Krispy treats around the Holidays (which were a huge hit at the family potlucks).  Since I had the ingredients on hand and people coming to visit I decided to make a festive dessert for dinner.  Instead of making mini wreaths I decided to make one big one that everyone could share.  I made a batch of rice krispy treats, put in a few drops of green food coloring in the marshmallow mixture, formed a Christmas wreath on a plate and decorated with red licorice, red hots, and pearls.  The girls thought these rice krispies were extra special and it really didn’t take me that much longer to put the wreath  together. You can make your wreath as light or dark green as you like, each one of mine (as you can see from the two pictures) are a little different.  I have included the rice krispy recipe in case you do not have it on hand.

    Rice Krispy Recipe:

    • 1/4 cup Butter or Margarine
    • 10 oz Marshmallows (usually 1 bag)
    • 6 cups Rice Krispy Cereal
    • Few drops Green Food Coloring

    Melt butter in microwavable bowl.  Add marshmallows and microwave until completely melted.  Stir the marshmallows and butter together until melted and smooth.  Mix in a few drops of green food coloring.  Add cereal and mix until evenly coated.  Put spoonfuls of rice krispies on a platter in a circle.  Butter your hands and form the rice krispies into a wreath.  Garnish with red licorice, red hots, m&ms, skittles, pearls or anything else you want.

    The girls requested that I make the “Christmas Wreath” again for another Christmas party and for their school party.  The only problem was I didn’t have any more red hots or pearls to decorate the wreath, but we did have Skittles!  The girls thought the Skittles were a beautiful and tasty addition to the Christmas wreath!  Plus this is an easy recipe that the kids can put together with your kids.

    If you have an upcoming Christmas party this would be another easy recipe to bring and share.  Enjoy! 🙂

  • Gift Giving: 12 Days of Christmas

    This year we decided to spread the Holiday Cheer out at our house this year by doing the 12 Days of Christmas again.  I did this last year and it was a huge hit.  Christmas morning can be so busy and this allows an opportunity to spread the fun over 12 days instead of packing everything into one day.  Starting December 13th the girls will be able to open one a day until Christmas.  The cost was less than $20 total, including boxes and wrapping paper.  Most of the gifts were bought on clearance over the past year.  We did a joint stack for both of our girls, however, you can choose to do a stack for each person.

    Here is what our 12 Days of Christmas includes:

    • Day 1:  Christmas Ornament for each girl (purchased last year after Christmas on clearance with rewards).
    • Day 2:  Two Music CD’s by Suzi Shelton (received CD’s from doing a review and giveaway)
    • Day 3:  DVD Veggie Tales (DVD was free, but paid a small fee for shipping)
    • Day 4: Two Giant Candy Canes, one Princess and 1 Cars (purchased with rewards)
    • Day 5:  Two Christmas Coloring Books (purchased on clearance with rewards)
    • Day 6:  Christmas Craft, painting ornaments (purchased with rewards on clearance)
    • Day 7:  Christmas Flower and Snowman (purchased with rewards on clearance)
    • Day 8:  Christmas Book God Gave Us Christmas by Lisa Tawn Bergren (purchased when it was on sale with Swagbucks gift card)
    • Day 9:  Two Christmas Headbands (purchased with rewards on clearance)
    • Day 10:  Game (found on clearance at Kmart and used gift card)
    • Day 11:  Two Hooded Bath Towels (used a coupon and picked them up on Black Friday)
    • Day 12: PJs for each to wear Christmas Eve (picked up on sale and used a coupon)

    Other Ideas for 12 Days of Christmas:

    • Hair Accessories
    • Facial Cleansers or Make Up – if you have a teenager just starting to wear makeup or want to update your collection my Mary Kay contact is doing a 12 Day of Christmas set!  If your husband is looking for something awesome to get you he may want to contact Ann too.
    • Socks or Tights
    • Chapstick
    • Socks
    • Gloves or Scarf
    • Card Game
    • Construction Paper
    • Markers or Crayons
    • Matchbox cars
    • Small Toys
    • Baby Doll Clothes
    • Christmas Underwear
    • The ideas are endless!

    Karlie & Brina excited about their 12 Days of Christmas

    I wrapped them in the original boxes or found ones around the house to put the items into.  The Christmas paper was purchased on clearance and I used a coupon.  Many of the items we purchased on clearance throughout the year and / or used CVS – ECBs and Walgreens – Register Rewards, Swagbucks Gift Cards or Coupons.  I cannot remember the price for all the items but with the rewards it may have been under $10 out of pocket for the entire set of 12 gifts and some days had multiple items in them.  We did a joint stack for our girls to save money, however, the items we picked match their individual interests (for example the craft with one being princess and the other being cars).  When the girls walked into the room and saw the stack of gifts they were super excited.

  • Creative Kids: Building a Gingerbread House

    Baths are taken, pj’s on, and the Gingerbread house is built! 

    Fun times over the Christmas Season with the family.

    Brina and Karlie love doing fun crafts and activities during the Holiday Season.  When we have the opportunity (get a coupon or kit on sale) we’ll build a gingerbread house together as a family.  The girls are getting old enough to do the majority of the work.  We help get the base set up and they do the decorating.

    If you do not want to use a gingerbread house kit or cannot find one on sale you can make individual mini Gingerbread houses by using graham crackers, white frosting and candies.  The girls enjoy doing both.  You can make the season enjoyable for the kids no matter what your circumstances or budget is this year.