Truth in the Tinsel: Days 3 - 8

Not that we're a little behind or anything, but here are the last five days of projects from our Truth in the Tinsel project:

Day 3: Zechariah

Little Man wanted to color his own ornament so he used white crayon on brown construction paper because he wanted Zechariah to be white "like he'd seen a ghost because that's how I'd be if I saw an angel!" I tried to give him a marshmallow to put on but he ate it.

Day 4: Gabriel

Again, Little Man wanted to do his own thing so after rummaging through the craft bin, he found feathers and a white, sparkly pom pom for the angels head "to help him glow". I love his imagination!

Day 5: Mary

This is the best picture I got of his ornament today, Missy had a hard time keeping this one on the tree for some reason. Little Man used a round clothes pin and wrapped a fabric square around and colored in her hair and face with a marker, because "if God thinks she's beautiful, then she was."

Day 6: Mary & Elizabeth

This was a fun day even though Little Man kept asking if I was going to have another baby. I asked him if he wanted another sibling and that got him quiet again... :)

Day 7: Song

This day's project is MIA. I don't know if I should blame Missy or the dog.... Basically, he drew a music note on paper, cut it out and colored it in with a marker. I tried to encourage more creativity (or use of supplies) but I think he was tired and ready for bed.

Day 8: Sun

I got a little more conversation out of him during this project. He actually remembered that one of Jesus' names from earlier in the project was Light of the World and he remembered doing this craft last year. Oh my! The memories do stick!!

Missy wanted to be more involved in this project so I peeled the backs off some foam shapes for her to play with. Unfortunately, once she sucked on them she couldn't make them stick. Hmm, wonder why? :)

We've really enjoyed the new printable ornaments this year, it's been a lifesaver with Missy seeing what Little Man is doing and wanted to be a part of it. I strap her in the chair beside me and can surpervise both of them at once. She ends up coloring more on herself than the paper but if I remember correctly, last year wasn't smooth sailing in the the mess-free department either. Oh well! The point is that they are having fun and even looking forward to it. Now when I say it's craft time, Little Man fetches the Bible before the craft supplies - and that is worth every ounce of energy I put into it!

Truth in the Tinsel, Days 1 & 2

A little behind schedule but here are the first two of our projects with our Truth in the Tinsel project ...

Little Man insisted on using glitter glue because it's shiny and will look better for a King. It's hard to argue with his logic sometimes, so we modified our crafts a little bit to accomodate his preferences. 

After last year's experiences I was a little apprehensive but plugged along through it and was pleasantly surprised! Little Man listened patiently through the first few verses then asked if he could work on his craft while I read. I got him started then kept reading. When I was done, I asked him a few questions and he gave me the right answers! Wahoo!!

Day one with Truth in the Tinsel

 For Day Two, Little Man wanted to switch glitter glues and chose one with gold flakes in it "because kings like gold". He also wanted to cut the crown himself because I was making it too small - "a good king has a tall crown". But again, he wowed me with his listening skills and was able to tell me some other names for Jesus.

Day two with Truth in the Tinsel

 Missy had her markers to color her ornaments but was more interested in coloring her belly! I am glad I had the foresight to strip her down first. Her contribution to the project was a wet, soggy mess so I may just use pictures for remembering the process instead of the ornaments.... but oh, how cute!!!

I will be posting our completed projects on my blog during the month, so stop back to see more of our creations! If you would like to follow along, it's not too late! Use the link below and LAVENDERSAGE in the check out section for a 20% discount on the book.

Truth in the Tinsel starts today - and a coupon code!

Today is December 1st and we'll be starting our "Truth in the Tinsel" Advent adventure today. If you haven't gotten your copy to do it with your family and you want to, you're in luck! Amanda has graciously offered 20% off the ebook with code LAVENDERSAGE. Use the link below and add the code during check out.

I am affiliate of Truth in the Tinsel. Thank you for your purchase!

I'll be posting pics of the ornaments my kids make as we go through the book. So stay tuned!!

The Start of Christmas

Now that the turkey is in the fridge and the dishes are done, it's time to bring out the Christmas decorations!

In our house, the day after Thanksgiving is dusting off the Christmas decorations from storage and hanging lights and garland. This year will be no exception ... but it will be more fun because my oldest is big enough to help - and he's willing!!!

We'll get a real tree in a few weeks but I have a small artificial tree my parents bought for me for my first apartment. Over the years I've decorated it using different themes and after I got married, my tree started to look similar each year. So four years ago, I left it decorated when I put it into storage and two years ago, I hot glued the decorations in place. Now it's super easy to have the house decorated in a day with two young kids.  {*smile!*}

Since it's obvious that I don't spend a lot of time (or energy) decorating my house, I thought I would share what we do spend our time on during the Christmas season - Jesus!

Last year, I heard about Truth in the Tinsel, an e-book by Amanda White. I went through the experience with my then four-year-old and while it wasn't as idyllic as I imagined, over time my son started telling me the different activities we did so something must have stuck. I did enjoy the experience so I became an affiliate to help promote the book because it worked for my family.

As I was preparing for this year's experience, I saw there is a download for those with younger kids or those with little time to create. It's printable ornaments that kids can color in then hang on the tree - super simple! I'll be trying the book's crafts with my five-year old but letting my 20 month old do the printable ornaments. We'll decorate our real tree with the kids' ornaments so they have ownership over the holiday decorations.

I will be posting our experience blog over the next few weeks and I would love it if you would join us! Use the link to buy the book and the ornaments and we'll start together on December 1st. But don't worry about doing each activity on the day or even starting on December 1st. Use it how it works best in your family whether that is daily, every few days or only on the weekends.

Use the link below or the link in the sidebar to purchase your copy of "The Truth in the Tinsel". Watch it make a difference in your family. It has in ours.

Get your copy of "The Truth in the Tinsel" here!

{I am affiliate for "Truth in the Tinsel". I became an affiliate because this book has made a difference in our house and I believe it's message can make a difference in yours.}

Only one more holiday to go....

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!}

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.

Putting Christ back into Christmas

As we've been approaching the Christmas season, we've been talking as a family about the real reason for the season and trying to move the focus (even just a little bit) off the presents and back on to Christ's birthday. As I've been planning our advent calendar for this year (check out this post from last year) I was agonizing over how to make the activities more centered on Christ and less on the "fluff" of the holiday when my MOPS group discussed the e-book "Truth in the Tinsel" written by Amanda White. Once home I ravaged her website, Facebook page, Pinterest account, etc and finally felt a peace about how to teach "Christmas" to my son. I bought the book (a simple pdf) and ornaments template and got to work.

The focus of the book is to teach the Christmas story to little ones through reading and a fun craft each day. Each craft will make an ornament that focuses on a different aspect of the story - and the kids decorate your Christmas tree without having to buy all those expensive ornaments! (We're doing a real tree this year for the first time and I was worried how I would afford to decorate a much larger tree so this is a double win for me!)

We'll be making the ornaments each day and posting our completed projects here. If you want to follow along, check out Amanda's book "Truth in the Tinsel" and get your own copy (use the link on the right so I get credit for referring you). The crafts are simple and can be done with what you have on hand already. Even if you don't start right on December 1st, you can still pick up and join in on the fun.

Merry Christmas!