Did you know in the last 62 days we have celebrated 3 holidays with one more tonight/tomorrow?! And that doesn't include the birthdays (4) we celebrated! Agh! No wonder we are so busy during the holidays!
Well, this last one is a bit more relaxing thanks to having young kids in the house (we celebrate with a little glass waaaay before midnight then go to bed ourselves). The little ones don't really care about a "new year", it's just another day to them - what are we doing today? Mommy, I'm bored! Can I have some more candy?!?
As you may have guessed, our adventures in Advent fell by the wayside shortly through the month. I tried but Little Man was more interested in the other aspects of Christmas (mainly, the gifts) so I worried and prayed and worried some more about teaching him the True Meaning of Christmas. Up to Christmas morning I was really considering cancelling that part of Christmas if he wasn't "getting it". I gave him one last chance before opening presents. Cuddling on the couch, I said, "I have one question before we get started. Why are we doing this?" His answer? Jumping off the couch and dancing excitedly, he answered: "It's a birthday party for Jesus!" Well, I guess prayer does work {just a bit of sarcasm there} so I smiled, thanked God for the best Christmas present ever and let him dig in. What more could I ask for?
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Advent Days 12 - 15
I forget how short Little Man's attention span can be! Of course, with two kids to manage, my attention span is short too.... Oh well, whatever works, right?
I thought I would get a jump start on last weeks activities since they would involve some drying time with the paints and while I"m glad I did that, I've got a back log of activities to post. Some still aren't dry and I haven't started on this weeks activities yet. Though I figure this is some of that "extra" stuff to keep busy through the holidays when I'm not swamped with shopping, wrapping, baking, parties, school programs and all the normal daily stuff so I forgive myself for not posting daily. Do you forgive me too? :)
Day 12: Census
Little Man enjoyed learning about the Census; we went around the house taking a census of kinds of things after craft time. He counted up to 20 which is a first for him. Making the craft was fun for both kids because I poured some flour & egg dye in a plastic baggie for Missy to play with in her high chair. She enjoyed smashing and mushing it all together too. I used two little pebbles I had instead of marbles and used a permanent marker to draw faces on them.
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Day 13: Bethlehem
This was an easy project but Little Man gobbed the paint on so it took overnight to dry. He enjoyed getting use a permanent marker to make the windows. I'm thrilled because I finally found the twine I knew I had bought for this month and get to use it to hang the ornaments instead of the pipe cleaners I had been using.
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Day 14: Stable
While Little Man enjoyed picking up sticks in the front yard, he was dismayed he would have to choose two to break. After that tantrum ended, he ended up picking two he felt were too long and breaking parts of them off to make the stable. He loved cutting the craft sticks with Mommy's scissors as consolation. So much so that we made a two-story barn for Jesus to move into when he gets bigger!
Day 15: Manger
This is the event that probably took the longest. It was the first time I've made or baked salt dough. There was a bit of a learning curve associated with it {that reminds me, I need salt the next time I'm at the store...}. There was enough dough left for us to make a few other things too. Missy didn't like getting her hand jammed into the dough so I could make some handprint ornaments for the grandparents but oh well! Little Man painted the manger all green "because it's my FAVORITE color!" {news to me!}
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
I thought I would get a jump start on last weeks activities since they would involve some drying time with the paints and while I"m glad I did that, I've got a back log of activities to post. Some still aren't dry and I haven't started on this weeks activities yet. Though I figure this is some of that "extra" stuff to keep busy through the holidays when I'm not swamped with shopping, wrapping, baking, parties, school programs and all the normal daily stuff so I forgive myself for not posting daily. Do you forgive me too? :)
Day 12: Census
Little Man enjoyed learning about the Census; we went around the house taking a census of kinds of things after craft time. He counted up to 20 which is a first for him. Making the craft was fun for both kids because I poured some flour & egg dye in a plastic baggie for Missy to play with in her high chair. She enjoyed smashing and mushing it all together too. I used two little pebbles I had instead of marbles and used a permanent marker to draw faces on them.
Day 13: Bethlehem
This was an easy project but Little Man gobbed the paint on so it took overnight to dry. He enjoyed getting use a permanent marker to make the windows. I'm thrilled because I finally found the twine I knew I had bought for this month and get to use it to hang the ornaments instead of the pipe cleaners I had been using.
.JPG)
Day 14: Stable
While Little Man enjoyed picking up sticks in the front yard, he was dismayed he would have to choose two to break. After that tantrum ended, he ended up picking two he felt were too long and breaking parts of them off to make the stable. He loved cutting the craft sticks with Mommy's scissors as consolation. So much so that we made a two-story barn for Jesus to move into when he gets bigger!
Day 15: Manger
This is the event that probably took the longest. It was the first time I've made or baked salt dough. There was a bit of a learning curve associated with it {that reminds me, I need salt the next time I'm at the store...}. There was enough dough left for us to make a few other things too. Missy didn't like getting her hand jammed into the dough so I could make some handprint ornaments for the grandparents but oh well! Little Man painted the manger all green "because it's my FAVORITE color!" {news to me!}
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Advent Day Ten
Day Ten's craft followed up on Joseph's dream with Gabriel - we made a pillow for Joseph's bed. Then a blanket and before long, Little Man wanted to make the bed too! Well, I'll only post the pillow because that's all that's important for the moment.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Advent Day Nine
Daddy was home tonight and able to watch the commotion that we call "Craft Time". Afterwards, he encouraged me that even though Little Man doesn't seem to be paying attention he's getting it. He also said that he's glad that God gave him a patient woman as a wife. Wow! I wouldn't ever call myself patient but if my hubby says it, then I'm grateful he thinks so! :)
My hubby was a little concerned that the first lesson he overhears is about Gabriel coming to Joseph in a dream and telling him to marry Mary, that the child is from God. Little Man apparently chose this lesson to listen to because he didn't understand why Joseph wouldn't want to marry her, did he not like kids? So we ended up getting into why having kids before marriage was a big deal. Now I wonder what he's going to talk about in preschool tomorrow! We also discussed why Joseph was wearing a "dress", did he not like wearing pants? Ha! This kid is too much!
Anyway, here's "pantless Joseph":
(Sorry I can't figure out why they are turned)
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
My hubby was a little concerned that the first lesson he overhears is about Gabriel coming to Joseph in a dream and telling him to marry Mary, that the child is from God. Little Man apparently chose this lesson to listen to because he didn't understand why Joseph wouldn't want to marry her, did he not like kids? So we ended up getting into why having kids before marriage was a big deal. Now I wonder what he's going to talk about in preschool tomorrow! We also discussed why Joseph was wearing a "dress", did he not like wearing pants? Ha! This kid is too much!
Anyway, here's "pantless Joseph":
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Advent Day Eight
Today's craft was super easy and super fun for Little Man. So much so I will have to look into other forms of mosaic work for him to explore.
We ending up making a few other shapes as well just to use up all the extra scraps he kept making but we had a fun time. And now that I'm reading while he's working, he's hearing more of the story. He even remembered doing the candle craft (day 1) and said is this the same thing? Yes!!! He is getting it!!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
We ending up making a few other shapes as well just to use up all the extra scraps he kept making but we had a fun time. And now that I'm reading while he's working, he's hearing more of the story. He even remembered doing the candle craft (day 1) and said is this the same thing? Yes!!! He is getting it!!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Advent Day Seven
Mary's Magnificant: A Song of Celebration
When Gabriel came to her with news both shameful and wonderous, Mary chose faith. When she told her fiance, she prayed. When she met Elizabeth, she sang. And boy, did she sing! Long, loud and filled with faith in God. It was bittersweet for her too. She faced a once-in-eternity blessing from God and also the rejection of everyone else. But she didn't hesitate. Later, when she saw all that happened, she stored it in her heart.
This was a poignant message and an important truth to teach. Above all else, we are to look up and focus on God, not ourselves, and He will bring us through.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Advent Day Six
Now that I think I have a rhythm going I'm ready to post today's craft before noon! Yea!
Little man actually woke up this morning asking to do a craft! And thankfully, I was ready! (well, almost) I wanted to get a little ahead of the game and have paper dolls and outfits cut out with the Cricut (I have the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge and haven't used it yet) but he was a little too ready this morning. So instead of drinking my coffee and checking the news on my computer while he watched Mickey Mouse, I was searching for paper doll images on the web. I printed bodies out on cardstock and dresses on plain paper. He used his scissors to cut out the dresses and colored them in with crayons. I had him draw faces and hair on them (his cousin recently dyed her hair purple, hence the inspiration) and we taped thread to the backs to hang. I like how they turned out, a little big but once we get our big tree next weekend, it won't matter too much.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Little man actually woke up this morning asking to do a craft! And thankfully, I was ready! (well, almost) I wanted to get a little ahead of the game and have paper dolls and outfits cut out with the Cricut (I have the Paper Doll Dress Up cartridge and haven't used it yet) but he was a little too ready this morning. So instead of drinking my coffee and checking the news on my computer while he watched Mickey Mouse, I was searching for paper doll images on the web. I printed bodies out on cardstock and dresses on plain paper. He used his scissors to cut out the dresses and colored them in with crayons. I had him draw faces and hair on them (his cousin recently dyed her hair purple, hence the inspiration) and we taped thread to the backs to hang. I like how they turned out, a little big but once we get our big tree next weekend, it won't matter too much.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Advent Day Five
I know I have those clothespins around here somewhere....
Little man was ready to do the craft but I was searching for those clothespins I knew I bought. Ugh! So after a frantic search and a quick prayer for patience with myself, I gave up the quest and picked out what I did have on hand - popsicle sticks. He never realized the picture didn't match exactly and I shouldn't care either (can you say perfectionist?). He loves the result and I love that he sat for the story (told in my words, he's still grumpy if I try to read it out of the Bible) but at least he heard it. And remembered it. It probably helps that Little Miss is still young enough he can remember when I was pregnant (and so were two of my cousins) so this part of the story resonates with him.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Little man was ready to do the craft but I was searching for those clothespins I knew I bought. Ugh! So after a frantic search and a quick prayer for patience with myself, I gave up the quest and picked out what I did have on hand - popsicle sticks. He never realized the picture didn't match exactly and I shouldn't care either (can you say perfectionist?). He loves the result and I love that he sat for the story (told in my words, he's still grumpy if I try to read it out of the Bible) but at least he heard it. And remembered it. It probably helps that Little Miss is still young enough he can remember when I was pregnant (and so were two of my cousins) so this part of the story resonates with him.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Advent Day Two
So after learning that glitter glue DOES NOT dry overnight, I am finally ready to reveal our Day Two craft (only 3 days late...):
I modified the craft a bit to avoid the drying time associated with paint (I know, lesson learned) and had little man decorate a cutout of the crown on construction paper then once dry, we glued it to the toilet paper roll and trimmed as needed. His favorite tool right now is the hole punch and he's loving getting to punch everything and make the little confetti. I'm looking ahead in the crafts to see where we can use those little scraps ( 'cause I'm getting tired of vacuuming everyday!).
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
I modified the craft a bit to avoid the drying time associated with paint (I know, lesson learned) and had little man decorate a cutout of the crown on construction paper then once dry, we glued it to the toilet paper roll and trimmed as needed. His favorite tool right now is the hole punch and he's loving getting to punch everything and make the little confetti. I'm looking ahead in the crafts to see where we can use those little scraps ( 'cause I'm getting tired of vacuuming everyday!).
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Advent Day Four
Little Man got sick yesterday and after battling a high fever and sleeping it off, it took a little work on my part to get him into making a craft. I even had to promise not to read the story "but you can tell me about it". Ha! I love this kid! So we had an actual conversation about Gabriel and what we would do if he came to visit us.
This was a fun craft - he liked making the fan fold of the angel and we sang "Jingle Bells" till bedtime. That little yellow thing on the right? He said he needed to add a sticker, just because. Well, okay then!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
This was a fun craft - he liked making the fan fold of the angel and we sang "Jingle Bells" till bedtime. That little yellow thing on the right? He said he needed to add a sticker, just because. Well, okay then!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Advent Day Three
Today's craft focused on Zachariah, who in the story didn't believe what the angel Gabriel told him and so had to wait in silence until what the angel said came true.
Nate had fun with the glitter glue and cotton balls (our version of the instructions) and as a four-year-old can insist upon - only one eye.
He still won't sit still to listen to the reading but tonight he surprised me at bedtime by choosing two Christmas story books and said, so we can read about our friend Jesus. {tear!} I guess he is listening. And getting it. That's what this project is about and for me that's a win!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Nate had fun with the glitter glue and cotton balls (our version of the instructions) and as a four-year-old can insist upon - only one eye.
He still won't sit still to listen to the reading but tonight he surprised me at bedtime by choosing two Christmas story books and said, so we can read about our friend Jesus. {tear!} I guess he is listening. And getting it. That's what this project is about and for me that's a win!
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
A Creative Delay
I apologize that I'm not quite ready for today's post - we've hit a creative delay. I didn't realize how long glitter glue would take to dry! But I promise that once it dries and everything is assembled, I will post the second day with Truth in the Tinsel. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post!
{Don't know what I'm talking about? Check out this post!}
{Don't know what I'm talking about? Check out this post!}
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Advent Day One
If you missed yesterday's post, I am trying to teach my 4 year old son the true meaning of Christmas. I am choosing to do Amanda White's "Truth in the Tinsel" ebook. I like it so far and my son was able to complete the craft but, unfortunately, I chose a hard-to-understand version of the Bible to read to him. I guess I'll be out looking for a kid-friendly version on my errands today! After we made it through the story (to stop for every "shalt" and "wilt" to explain what "shalt" and "wilt" mean) we moved on to making the ornament. The first ornament is a light catcher in the outline of a candle to represent Jesus as the Light in the darkness.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.
If you would like to follow along (or to just check out the book for your family) click the link below (or to the right) to visit Amanda's website where you can download a copy for yourself.
Merry Christmas!
Truth in the Tinsel.