Events & Holidays

  • Book: “The Christmas Story” by Jane Werner

    One of the fun parts of getting down all the Christmas items from the attic is pulling out all the books to read throughout the Christmas Season.  When the girls were little we would read about the First Christmas from the Bible then we would read The Christmas Story by Jane Werner.  Although the girls would sit quietly while reading the Bible this book made the story visually come to life for them.

    Even though they are probably old enough now to just read from the Bible they still request that we read this book on Christmas day.  If you have little ones and want a good book to read on Christmas Day you can find it online or at a local bookstore for under $4 (or at a garage sale like I did many years ago) or rent it from your local library.  It is great opportunity for you to read with your child(ren) and to share the good news of Christmas!

  • Restaurant.com: 90% Off Local Area Restaurants + 35% Cash Back

    You can get some great Restaurant Gift Certificates at Restaurant.com right now with their promo code for 90% off now through 12/24.

    Promo Code:   JOY

    Enter your zip code to see all of the available certificates for your area. These do not go on sale for 90% off very often so this is a perfect time to stock up!

    This code will get you:

    • – $25 dining or gift certificates for $1
    • – $10 dining or gift certificates for 50¢

    BONUS Get 35% Cash Back:

    You can get an even better deal by going through ShopAtHome!  Get the 90% off with the promo code PLUS 35% cash back by going through ShopAtHome, which means you pay only 65¢ for a $25 Gift Certificate!

    Go to ShopAtHome.com (it’s free to signup) login and search for Restaurant.com click on the coupon that says “$1 For $25 Gift Certificates” + 35% cash back!   ShopAtHome allows you to earn cash back on your online purchases.  It is like a rebate that you get after purchasing items online.  These gift certificates are great for Date Nights, Family Outings, to get as gifts or to use while your on vacation!

  • Christmas Movie: “We’re No Angels” (1955)

    Jake and I decided to watch a Christmas movie as we were wrapping gifts.  Last year we watched We’re No Angels (1955) for the first time and now it is a family favorite to watch every year. During the Christmas Holidays three escaped convicts with the intention of stealing from a local store on Devil’s Island end up enjoying the shopkeeper’s family too much that they use their talents to help the family and their struggling store.  The story has some funny twists and turns in the plot as the escape convicts played by Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray, and Peter Ustinov have a change of heart once getting to know the family.

    Side note:  It may be best to rent this movie from them library or video store or buy it used since it is now out of print. To buy it new at this time is fairly expensive for an older movie. 

  • Christmas Giving: 100+ Stocking Gifts under $1.00

    Rolled pennies made to look like a candy for stocking stuffer gift

    One of the fun parts of Christmas is opening the little items that you get in the stockings every year.  I like to put both practical and fun items in the stockings.  Many years while doing regular shopping and finding items on clearance or with a coupon I am done with the stockings before December even arrives.  In our family we typically open the stockings on Christmas Eve before the girls go to bed that night.  It gets the celebrations started and it allows the girls to “savor the moment” as they open their stockings.  As they are opening the gifts they will try on new socks, read a book, paint their nails, put a pretty hair barrette in their hair or play with their little toys.  As a general rule the items that go in the stockings need to be less than $1.00 and in some cases I can get items for free. Here are some ideas if you are trying to fill that last little bit of the stocking.

    100+ Stocking Gifts for under $1.00

    • Roll of Pennies from the Bank ($0.50)
    • Candy Canes
    • Chapstick
    • Fingernail Polish
    • Gloves
    • Small Puzzles
    • Coloring Books
    • Slinky
    • Pack of Gum
    • Mints
    • Erasers
    • Match Box Cars
    • Breath Mints
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Hand Lotion
    • Googly Eyes
    • Fuzzy Sticks
    • Crayons
    • Colored Pencils
    • Markers
    • Glue Sticks
    • Batteries
    • Socks
    • Jewelry
    • Stickers
    • Craft Items
    • Playdough
    • Molding Clay
    • Glowsticks
    • Small Toys
    • Juice Box
    • Barrettes
    • Bows
    • Headbands
    • Pom Poms
    • Christmas Candy
    • Pens
    • Pencils
    • Paper Clips
    • Fingernail Filer
    • Scissors
    • Body Mist
    • Deodorant
    • Perfume
    • Hairspray
    • Wet Wipes
    • Individual Packs of Kleenex
    • Bouncy Balls
    • Small Notebook
    • Flashlight
    • Screwdriver
    • Pliers
    • Small Tools
    • Mini Calendar
    • Highlighters
    • Binder Clips
    • Watch
    • Scarf
    • Stocking Hat
    • Yo-Yo
    • Silly Putty
    • Glow in the Dark Stars / Planets
    • Kitchen Gadgets
    • Magnets
    • Small Games
    • Playing Cards
    • Sticky Notes
    • USB Flash Drives
    • Cookie Cutters
    • Whisk
    • Spatula
    • Wooden Spoon
    • Kitchen Towel
    • Wash Cloths
    • Small Christmas Cups
    • Makeup
    • Removable Tattoos
    • Flower Seeds
    • Vegetable or Fruit Seeds
    • Small Book
    • Sandwich Cutters
    • Small Activity Book
    • Key Chains
    • Swiss Army Knife
    • Tape Measure
    • Ruler
    • Coffee
    • Bath Toys
    • Bubble Bath
    • Belt
    • Underwear
    • Facial Mask
    • Foot Cream
    • Gift Certificates (bought with rewards)
    • Stationary
    • Leak Proof Drink Bottles
    • Ear Plugs
    • Chopsticks
    • Bookmarks
    • Golf Balls
    • Bracelets
    • Earrings
    • Rings
    • Necklaces
    • Silly Bandz
    • Wallet
    • Paint
    • Paint Brushes
    • Coasters
    • Small Cookbook
    • Recipe Cards
    • Small Photo Album
    • Packs of Hot Chocolate
    • Packs of Hot Apple Cider
    • Lipstick / Lip Gloss
    • Brush
    • Comb
    • DVD
    • CD
    • Baseball Cards
    • Ornament
    • Sunglasses
    • Magazine
    • Snacks
    • Coupons for Free Items

    A lot of what you get will depend on the size of the stocking you are trying to fill.  Items like socks are great for filling up the stocking where getting smaller items will take more to fill it up.  If you want you could go with a “theme” and get all kitchen items or crafty type items to put into the stocking for someone who would enjoy it.  You can get many of these items for free or nearly free throughout the year by checking out the clearance sections, using coupons, and rewards programs (CVS – Extra Care Bucks, Walgreens – Register Rewards, KMart – Rewards, and more).

    If you need a few items but don’t have time to shop throughout the year go to Dollar Tree and pick up a multi pack of hair barrettes, chapsticks and other goodies and divide them up among the family members.   Another great spot to pick up items if you are on a time crunch is in the travel / dollar sections in stores like Walmart or Target (where they have the mini bottles of items or other things people may need).

  • Creative Kids: Miniature Marshmallow Snowmen

    Brina and Karlie’s mini marshmallow snowmen

    Recently the girls were enjoying a snack together (including marshmallows) when they called me in to see the creations they had made.  They had taken the miniature marshmallows and stacked them together to make mini “snowmen”.  It was so cute to see them come up with these silly little snowmen that we decided to leave them for a little bit so Jake could check them out too.

    Sometimes it is the simple little things that can provide the most fun and entertainment.  I am thankful to have the opportunity to celebrate this creative (and goofy) moment with the girls.  It may not seem like much when the kids create something like miniature marshmallow snowmen but it is times like these that brighten up the day for your kids when you truly get excited about their creative “artwork”.

  • 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:

  • Song: “I Need a Silent Night” by Amy Grant

    After a busy week of celebrations this song came to my mind.  Sometimes we get so “wrapped” up in all the activities we don’t take the extra time to truly enjoy the reason for the Christmas season.  In the chaos of the season’s activities take a some time to spend in quiet reflection.

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

     

    Jake was gone most of last week on work related trips so the girls and I planned simple meals.  This week is full for fun events so our “normal” weekly schedule is a little different.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef Entree):  Spaghetti and Meatballs, Garlic Bread
    • Tuesday (Seafood or Pork Entree):  Cheesy Octopus Sausages, Fresh Fruit
    • Wednesday (Chicken Entree):  Special Event
    • Thursday (Pasta or Vegetarian Entree):  Special Event
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef entree, Tuesday a seafood or pork entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz