Christmas

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

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    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.

  • 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

  • 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.