December 1 is this Monday. This Monday.
Have you seen that youtube clip "Sh*t Southern Women Say"? (Mild expletive warning, but oh-so-funny and accurate).
ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS?!?!
(no.)
I'm not "ready" by a long shot in terms of decked halls, wrapped presents, or personalized, stamped cards.
But I do have a few, simple resources I'd like to share that I plan to use to prepare my heart for Christmas.
1. Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
A follow-up to her book The Greatest Gift, this is a 25 day family devotional for the Advent season. We used the Jesus Storybook Bible Advent reading plan last year and really enjoyed it, but some of the stories are lengthy and I felt like the kids missed the impact (though the exposure was great). The book is beautifully illustrated and provides 25 devotions written with children in mind that correspond to the Jesse tree tradition. Free printables are available here for the ornaments. You can even have a "Night Before Advent" party with ideas here. I'll check back in in a few days to give feedback, but I think this is going to be a winner. And if you purchase the book today (Black Friday) on Amazon, enter HOLIDAY 30 and receive 30% off one book.
2. Why Do We Call It Christmas? DVD
This is another "What's In The Bible" DVD that I've shared previously and I love, love, love it.
We've watched the entire series and I regularly find myself in church thinking, "Where have I heard this?" and answering back, "Oh, the puppet taught me that." Lifeway and Amazon have been running specials on these DVDs. This one deals with the history behind the traditions of the Christmas tree, Santa, and why we celebrate Christmas on the 25th. Fun fact: Newly converted German Christians hung evergreens in their homes as a symbol for Christ, a stark reversal after once worshipping the oak tree.
3. Truth in the Tinsel
This is another Advent resource for Christmas that I discovered from a suggested Facebook page. It is a devotional and craft for the 25 days of Advent. I don't plan on doing this one this year because if I committed to doing 25 crafts, Mama would be celebrating Christmas at a "rest facility" and a nervous breakdown involving twine and hot glue doesn't scream "miracle of the Incarnation" to me. Seriously though, I am following this page on facebook and hope to maybe do at least one of the crafts.
4. A "Wow" Experience
We are spending Thanksgiving in North Georgia and get to kick off the season by going to Stone Mountain and doing their Christmas Adventure, which is the regular attractions plus a Christmas train ride. Santa sightings, 4D movie, and a big parade. We're hoping that the kids get a big kick out of it. J will probably want to ride the skylift up the mountain and do the train ride around the park all day, and I know the girls will lose their minds with being in a winter wonderland. This is the first year we are doing anything like an all day attraction. We are dumb enough to try it with a 2 year old, but wise enough to rent a hotel room nearby.
Admist the unavoidable chaos of December, my wish for me and you are redeemed moments
because the Christ is coming. Merry Christmas!
Friday, November 28, 2014
Saturday, November 15, 2014
A New Tradition
We packed our first Christmas gifts today. Despite being familiar with Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse, for several years, I had not prioritized getting boxes ready and kept pushing it down on my "mean-to-do" list. Determined to change that this year, I took J & Sarah out and we had a great time.
If you are looking for a way to model thankfulness in your family and to just plain have fun, please consider checking out OCC and packing a box.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider packing a box for Operation Christmas Child:
1. It's personal.
The box you put together will be opened by a specific individual, just like any other gift you will give this year. This is the only charitable organization that I know of that transports gifts instead of using donations to purchase items and services needed in a particular country (though they do that too). OCC is very hands-on and tangible for involving children. You are encouraged to include a note to the intended recipient. The OCC site also has a coloring sheet that can be completed by your kids and packed. And if you give the estimated shipping cost ($7/box) online, you can track your box to its end destination. You might even gain a penpal if you include your address in the note you send!
2. It's transparent.
89 percent of monies raised by Samaritan's Purse goes to funding its incentives. It has an overall rating of 95.9 by Charity Navigator and a rating of 100 for transparency and accountability. This is a trustworthy place to give.
3. It's low-cost, high return.
You can pack a great box for $25. You can build one online for without leaving home or you can head down to the local Supercenter and gather materials. I bought hygiene products (soap, toothbrushes and paste, chapstick, hair ties), small toys (coloring books, puzzles, stickers, hard candy, whistles), essentials (pencils, socks) at the Dollar store. I think our store stocks items that are specifically on the OCC list because I found a ball pump today, a suggested item, as well as flip flops, which are obviously out of season now, another suggested item. I went next door to Walmart for a few special items like a basketball and HotWheels car for my boy box and soft baby dolls for the girls. I also got better brand art supplies there. My most expensive item was $7 (basketball), and most were $1. There is even a Pinterest board with low cost ideas.
4. It will bless a child in need.
This isn't a guilt trip, but y'all, for the cost of a casual meal out, you can give a child a present that has long-reaching effects. Each item in your box will honestly knock their socks off. A dollar store toy will be played with and put in the toy basket tomorrow at my house, but it will be treasured by a child who may have never received a Christmas gift. The gift is more than the gift. Samaritan's Purse is a Christian organization whose mission is "helping in Jesus' name". Many children who receives boxes also gain 12 weeks of bible lessons about God's love. If you are looking for the real meaning of Christmas-- that God gave-- here's a great way to kick off the season.
5. It will make you happy!
Buying gifts for a child is fun. So is stuffing a box to the brim with goodies. Believe it or not, if you let your kids know for the outset that your shopping trip is to buy gifts for others, they will not beg for toys on the toy aisle. Giving is medicine for the gimme-gimmes.
What'dya say? Ready to start a new, meaningful tradition right before we enter the season of thanks? Do it! And let me know if this convinced you!
If you are looking for a way to model thankfulness in your family and to just plain have fun, please consider checking out OCC and packing a box.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider packing a box for Operation Christmas Child:
1. It's personal.
The box you put together will be opened by a specific individual, just like any other gift you will give this year. This is the only charitable organization that I know of that transports gifts instead of using donations to purchase items and services needed in a particular country (though they do that too). OCC is very hands-on and tangible for involving children. You are encouraged to include a note to the intended recipient. The OCC site also has a coloring sheet that can be completed by your kids and packed. And if you give the estimated shipping cost ($7/box) online, you can track your box to its end destination. You might even gain a penpal if you include your address in the note you send!
2. It's transparent.
89 percent of monies raised by Samaritan's Purse goes to funding its incentives. It has an overall rating of 95.9 by Charity Navigator and a rating of 100 for transparency and accountability. This is a trustworthy place to give.
3. It's low-cost, high return.
You can pack a great box for $25. You can build one online for without leaving home or you can head down to the local Supercenter and gather materials. I bought hygiene products (soap, toothbrushes and paste, chapstick, hair ties), small toys (coloring books, puzzles, stickers, hard candy, whistles), essentials (pencils, socks) at the Dollar store. I think our store stocks items that are specifically on the OCC list because I found a ball pump today, a suggested item, as well as flip flops, which are obviously out of season now, another suggested item. I went next door to Walmart for a few special items like a basketball and HotWheels car for my boy box and soft baby dolls for the girls. I also got better brand art supplies there. My most expensive item was $7 (basketball), and most were $1. There is even a Pinterest board with low cost ideas.
4. It will bless a child in need.
This isn't a guilt trip, but y'all, for the cost of a casual meal out, you can give a child a present that has long-reaching effects. Each item in your box will honestly knock their socks off. A dollar store toy will be played with and put in the toy basket tomorrow at my house, but it will be treasured by a child who may have never received a Christmas gift. The gift is more than the gift. Samaritan's Purse is a Christian organization whose mission is "helping in Jesus' name". Many children who receives boxes also gain 12 weeks of bible lessons about God's love. If you are looking for the real meaning of Christmas-- that God gave-- here's a great way to kick off the season.
5. It will make you happy!
Buying gifts for a child is fun. So is stuffing a box to the brim with goodies. Believe it or not, if you let your kids know for the outset that your shopping trip is to buy gifts for others, they will not beg for toys on the toy aisle. Giving is medicine for the gimme-gimmes.
What'dya say? Ready to start a new, meaningful tradition right before we enter the season of thanks? Do it! And let me know if this convinced you!
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
I'm A Swifty Now
We are going to see Taylor Swift in concert next year. After dinner last night, I was trying to keep the girls from screaming which involves pitching throw pillows at their heads and singing "Shake It Off" while they dance. When Sarah returns fire and I spill coffee on myself, I have to leave the girls to their own devices (which mainly involves taunting, aggravating, and shrieking) while I change. "Why won't Alex get off the computer," I grumble to myself as I stomp to my room. When I get back downstairs, Alex has joined the kids. "Here," he says, handing me a sheet of paper. "It's not til next year, and the seats are far up, but I thought you'd like to go." Turns to out he wasn't avoiding the madness, but searching for presale tickets for the TS 1989 show in Atlanta next fall. My singing in the next room was the incentive needed to go ahead and plunk the plastic down and commit.
We are going to be like Gary The Stepdad from "Ew!"on the Tonight show among all the screaming tweens. It shall be epic. Skip ahead to minute 3 below. Two things: the Gary dance and the way "Sara" says League of Extraordinary Gentleman. That's how my toddler pronounces everything.
Anyway, I spent about a good hour after the kids' bedtime studying up on Taylor's music video timeline and learning fun facts such as how she wrote a 350 page novel on vacation as a 12 year old.
I'm a few more hours of research away from taking selfies with "heart hands".
Who else is a secret Swifty?
We are going to be like Gary The Stepdad from "Ew!"on the Tonight show among all the screaming tweens. It shall be epic. Skip ahead to minute 3 below. Two things: the Gary dance and the way "Sara" says League of Extraordinary Gentleman. That's how my toddler pronounces everything.
Anyway, I spent about a good hour after the kids' bedtime studying up on Taylor's music video timeline and learning fun facts such as how she wrote a 350 page novel on vacation as a 12 year old.
I'm a few more hours of research away from taking selfies with "heart hands".
Who else is a secret Swifty?
Sunday, November 9, 2014
And Then My Head Exploded.
The Season is upon us. You know the one: Family Picture Season. I determined in my heart that we were not going to participate because we'd had pictures made last year and I'd kinda promised Alex I'd only make him do that every other year because surprisingly, lounging on a blanket in a field while wearing carefully coordinated attire isn't a dream come true for him.
Well, that inner resolve made it all the way to November 5th. I innocently inquired about a holiday session at a local farm because we hang out at farms all the time and feels like an accurate representation of our home life. Plus there is an atmospheric wooden barn and wreaths and why shouldn't we mug for posterity in the great outdoors?
So I like pretty pictures. Deal with it already, inner conflict. The straw the broke the no-picture-this-year's-back arrived in the form of beautifully curated holiday outfits for the children with the express purpose of picture taking. And how can I disappoint family? I mean, there are sweater vests and velvet bows to be worn. And matching plaid dresses, might I add.
Now begins the outfit angst for me. You know, it's all about Mama, right? I mean, of course it's going to be "darlin' plus" as one of my favorites says because of the kids, but outfitting an adult woman for a family pictures is not easy feat.
I mean, the options. I have several black and red basics that would work and even a cute print dress. My sensible side says to wear one of those and call it a day. My inner Pinner disagrees, because that might be too much print and overwhelm the picture and make it look like I was trying to hard. Say it with me: TOO LATE.
We were out last night and able to stop by the mecca also known as Charming Charlie's where I spent at least 45 mintues debating the merits of the bib necklace versus the hanging chain and it was as world-altering as you might expect. Then another half hour online window shopping, fretting about the green lace tunic or the gray lace top and the regrettable lack of cream leggings on this particular site.
And Then My Head Exploded.
I miss November 4th. It was a simpler time.
So Ladies, let me poll you.
1) Black Skirt with Creme Top w/ lace accents that I own?
2) Black and White Wrap dress with red flats that I also own?
3) New Tunic and Leggings Combo that is a minefield of delicate coordination choices?
I need your help. Please let me know I'm not alone in this prison of my mind.
Sincerely,
Losing My Mind After Pondering One Too Many Statement Necklace/Tunic/Legging/Boot Combo
Well, that inner resolve made it all the way to November 5th. I innocently inquired about a holiday session at a local farm because we hang out at farms all the time and feels like an accurate representation of our home life. Plus there is an atmospheric wooden barn and wreaths and why shouldn't we mug for posterity in the great outdoors?
So I like pretty pictures. Deal with it already, inner conflict. The straw the broke the no-picture-this-year's-back arrived in the form of beautifully curated holiday outfits for the children with the express purpose of picture taking. And how can I disappoint family? I mean, there are sweater vests and velvet bows to be worn. And matching plaid dresses, might I add.
Now begins the outfit angst for me. You know, it's all about Mama, right? I mean, of course it's going to be "darlin' plus" as one of my favorites says because of the kids, but outfitting an adult woman for a family pictures is not easy feat.
I mean, the options. I have several black and red basics that would work and even a cute print dress. My sensible side says to wear one of those and call it a day. My inner Pinner disagrees, because that might be too much print and overwhelm the picture and make it look like I was trying to hard. Say it with me: TOO LATE.
We were out last night and able to stop by the mecca also known as Charming Charlie's where I spent at least 45 mintues debating the merits of the bib necklace versus the hanging chain and it was as world-altering as you might expect. Then another half hour online window shopping, fretting about the green lace tunic or the gray lace top and the regrettable lack of cream leggings on this particular site.
And Then My Head Exploded.
I miss November 4th. It was a simpler time.
So Ladies, let me poll you.
1) Black Skirt with Creme Top w/ lace accents that I own?
2) Black and White Wrap dress with red flats that I also own?
3) New Tunic and Leggings Combo that is a minefield of delicate coordination choices?
I need your help. Please let me know I'm not alone in this prison of my mind.
Sincerely,
Losing My Mind After Pondering One Too Many Statement Necklace/Tunic/Legging/Boot Combo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)