Read and Give

One thing I haven't been able to do lately is go to the library to check out some great Christmas and Winter books.  We love the library and usually take a trip once a week or every other week.  So, I was thrilled to stumble upon this website, We Give Books.  The kids could read books, and we could give at the same time!

For each book you read online, they donate a book to a leading literacy group on your behalf.  The more you read, the more they give.

We Give Books is a free website that enables anyone with access to the Internet to put books in the hands of children who don't have them, simply by reading online. It was created by the Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation.  They combine the joy of reading with the power of helping others, inspiring children to become lifelong readers and lifelong givers.

All of the books available for online reading are children’s picture books appropriate for children through age ten. There is a mix of fiction and nonfiction, a range of authors, and an equal balance between read-alouds and books for independent readers.

Here are the books we enjoyed online today:  

No Room at the Inn

For Ages: 4-7

This easy-reader is a close account

of  the biblical story from Luke 2 

of the first Christmas.



12 Days of Christmas
For Ages: 4-7

Set in Africa, this beautiful rendition of the classic Christmas carol has a unique twist: colorful icons illustrate the various gifts repeated in each verse, creating a rebus-style text that gives young children a fun way to follow along.   

The Three Snow Bears

For Ages: 4-7

This stunningly illustrated interpretation of Goldilocks and the Three Bears transports the well-loved story to the Arctic north. There, the raven-haired Inuit girl, Aloo-ki, comes upon an igloo that turns out to be the home of a polar bear family.

The Snowy Day

For Ages: 0-3

No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than this universally beloved Caldecott Award winner. It reveals a child’s wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.

It's Christ's birthday, not ours!

I have been watching Little House on the Prairie during my surgery recovery this past week.  Mark got me the whole series, so I started from the beginning.  In the pilot, the family is going through some hard times and Christmas is coming up.

Charles is expressing his concerns with Carolyn about having no money to get anything for the girls or for each other.   She replies to him, that isn't what it is all about...

"It's Christ's birthday, not ours!"

How true, and yet how often we act differently.

Earlier this month, I read a post by Ann Voscamp at A Holy Experience...it rocked me to the core.  If you have the time, it is definitely worth reading!  It sparked a very deep conversation with my hubbie.

It made us consider... We have SAID with WORDS that it is all about Christ's birth...but have we really proved that is what we believe by our ACTIONS?  Do our kids really understand the meaning of Christmas?

I can't answer for my kids...but I know I miss the mark so often.  My daily FOCUS is about making family memories, about trees and decorations, fun crafts, baking, lights, caroling, etc....
Sure, I read the bible, and we do our family devotions, and teach my kids from the Bible and have a Bible based school curriculum, we teach the meanings of Christmas...but what am I doing?
My ACTIONS...

MY ACTIONS ARE ALWAYS LOUDER THAN MY WORDS,

Good, better, best.  Have y'all ever heard about that principle?  I think it was in Elizabeth George's book, A Woman After God's Own Heart,  that taught me this principle:

  "Good, better, best, 

never let it rest, 

until your good is better, 

and your better best." 

There are so many good things out there.  Is Christ's birthday forgotten in all that good and fun stuff?   Are we getting so distracted by all the good stuff that we sacrifice the better and best?  I know I have.

For instance,  spending time with your family and friends.  I see it all the time on TV and movies...they drill it in that Christmas is all about family, and Christmas Spirit.  Decorating homes inside and out, doing christmas crafts, and making christmas goodies together.  Making memories.  Sharing the Christmas Spirit to all around.  Caroling, and Church Plays... Those are good things.  Anyone who doesn't celebrate these things is a scrooge and needs some Christmas Spirit.

But...maybe there is a better thing, really focusing in on the true meaning of Christmas in the midst of all the holiday shopping and cooking and crafts and such. Get rid of the commercialism.  Right?  Make gifts from your heart.  Don't go into debt.  Spend time with family reading the Bible, focus on Christ's birth, do Jesse Tree devotions, etc....that's better.  These are better things.  This is kind of where we have been for a while as a family...trying not to get caught up in the good stuff, when there is a better way...

Then, I get to thinking, is that my best option?  Is this our best?  Maybe the best thing is to forgo the presents all together.  Make it about giving to Christ for his birthday and not at all about us.  It gets confusing when you SAY it's all about Christ, but then with our actions, put the FOCUS on getting presents on Christmas day.  Really confusing.  We get all the stuff, but what does Christ get?

But how do we give to Christ?  Gold, frankincense and myrrh?  I would have to google to even remember what those are...not to mention who knows where to find those things!  And how do we give to a baby who is all grown up and in heaven now?  No... God tells us we are doing (giving) things to HIM when we do for others. And likewise, we are NOT doing things for Him, when we don't help others.  We can celebrate Christmas by giving gifts to Christ, by serving others.

But then there is a little voice in my head...well it's a big voice really...that says, but what about the children?  They will suffer for not getting all the fun Christmas gifts and stuff.  I will be depriving my children!  I don't know who's voice it is.  Is it my worldly voice, or maybe the voice I imagine others will have for me... "don't take away their fun and magical memories of Santa and gift giving!!! Don't take away their Christmas!!!  What about all the fun memories you have from childhood?  What about Elf on the Shelf, and the House Fairy who is Santa's sister?  My kids know and believe in all these fictional people.  They get excited when they think about them.  Who am I kidding?  I get excited when I see them!   What do I do about all that?

OR Is it my voice of reason that I hear? "I am taking this a little too far.  We can do both.  Give, and get"  Focus on Christ and Santa."  I often think of the movie Steel Magnolias (yeah, I know...really deep and spiritual, right?)  That character that Daryl Hannah plays?  you know the one who goes from heathen, to saved, to super self righteous and praying for all the others who are heathens, and then back to regular average joe christian by the end of the movie.  I wonder if maybe I am turning into a "Crazy" christian by considering taking "Christmas" away from the kids.

Then~ I think of the books I have been reading this year.  God has used these books to make a huge difference in the way that I think and act.  Crazy, Radical...umm...

And I also think, isn't it Christ's birthday, not ours?  I mean...what does it mean to "take away Christmas, anyway"?

If Christmas is really all about Christ...then I wouldn't be taking Christmas away from them at all.
 
I would be taking something that is NOT Christmas away from them.  The voice in my head says, "I think that would be best."

Over the years we have asked what is good, better, and best for our family.  Each year, we find ourselves discovering a better way, hopefully each year understanding and grasping what God has for us as best.  This applies in all areas of our lives, not just Christmas.  Our work, our schooling, our service, our worship, our friendships, our activities...   Each year our Christmas celebration looks a little different.  God, what is Your best way for us to celebrate Your birth, your coming to earth for us?  We try to ask these good, better, best questions every day.

So, as we continue to ask what is good, better, best...this Christmas is going to be RADICALLY different for our family.   CRAZY, some may say.  This week we are going to spend Christmas at two different Soup Kitchens serving others in need.  We are going to donate to those in need across the ocean we will never meet.  We are going to give away treats we have made that we would usually gobble up ourselves.  We are going out of our way to look for ways to serve.  I haven't even gone Christmas shopping for one gift.  It is Tuesday, December 21st.

We still have Santa, and all the fictional stuff.   I can't lie and say I don't love that stuff!  But I get carried away and lose my focus time and time again.  So, it just won't be celebrated or focused on Christmas morning.  To be honest...we are still trying to figure all that out.  Trying to determine which voice we are listening to: ours, others, or God's.  Hear me when I say this: I don't think it's wrong to have fun and to celebrate.  I just think the way my family has been doing it -is mixing two very separate things...and that isn't the best way for our family.

What I do know, is that on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning,  our family will be focusing on Christ and how we can give to Him.  Serving Him.  Not ourselves.  

As Carolyn Ingalls said, "It's Christ's birthday, not ours."

Here's another post by Ann at Holy Experience that is helpful:

So what can you do, if you don't exchange gifts on Christmas?

You can visit Christmas Change for ideas on charity recommendations, and practical steps to grow in Christmas Giving.  There are also lots of inspirational stories from families, suggested curriculum for your kids, and a blog.  I love the focus of the site:

 ChristmasChange is about restoring the magic and wonder to the birth story of Jesus. It's about living the reason for his birth. Live ChristmasChange in a way that restores wonder, not in a way that brings guilt, disappointment, or condemnation to your family or faith community.

Christmas Change from Kujilana on Vimeo.

Christmas Lights!

One of my favorite things about this season is looking at all the beautiful Christmas lights around town.  I think I get just as excited as the kids do.  When Bella sees a display as we are out driving, she exclaims, "Look, it's Christmas!"  Ahh, the wonder of a 3 year old.

Last year, we went to Metter to Guido Gardens, The Nights of Lights celebration.

This year we really started searching for them on the way down to our Florida trip on the week of Thankgiving.  We stopped in St. Augustine, boy is that a beautiful sight.  The entire downtown area is covered in twinkling white lights and decorations.  You have to visit there if you have a chance!

Tonight we are taking the family out for a drive around town to see all the bright wonders.  I can't believe all the work some people do every year to create such a wonderful display. Here are some wonderful ideas to do with your family if you like to go out and look at the lights too!  

Check out this great idea for the MINIVAN EXPRESS over at Shell in your Pocket.  Dress your kids in their Christmas PJs and follow your normal bedtime routine, send them off to bed, only for them to find a surprise GOLDEN TICKET (awesome printable from Confessions of a Homeschooler) on their pillows to board the minivan express!  

Angela's Analysis had a neat twist on the ticket.  You can read about it here.

Pack them into the van, with popped popcorn waiting for them in their seats, and hot cocoa with marshmellows (MMMM...our favorite!).  Don't forget to punch their ticket (in a fun way of course!) and go driving through the town looking at the Christmas Lights.  When you get back home, you could pop in the movie, The Polar Express...or cuddle back in bed and read the book snuggled together.


While your out and about...why don't you give away some Christmas cheer?  The Happy Home Fairy has a great idea to give away a certificate for the BEST DECORATED HOUSE FOR CHRISTMAS!  The joy she spread to one family for their hard work just brought tears to my eyes this morning!  

Simple Sweets

Oh my! Oh my! Oh my!


Since I had my surgery on Wednesday, I have had wayyyyyy too much time online to search for goodies.  I have found more crafts, school projects, and awesome inspiration than I know what to do with...the wheels in my head were spinning so fast...oh the things I had planned!


One of the things that I have been doing is making a mental note of some Christmas goodies I want to make with the kiddos once I can get up and cook for a while.  Which hopefully, Lord willing, will be in a day or two.  {*BTW, I am doing great...thanks for asking:)}

But then I remembered I have a problem with taking on BIG and DETAILED projects, then getting frustrated cause its not the fun and perfection that I pictured in my head!  Most of the time, I don't want the kids "messing it up"...so lots of arguements and tears ensue...

all because of my big plans.  Besides...its a week away from Christmas.  And I am healing from surgery.  Yup...now is not the time to begin CRAZY DETAILED projects.

So this week I am aiming for EASY and FUN...simply making memories with the kids.

 no stress, no frustration.  none of this:

{the martha wannabe in me just sighed :( oh well}

I love the idea of making treats with the family to give away to others!!!  There are so many people out there that I want to say thank you to and what better way to say thanks than to give them sweets made with love?

Take a look at a few of my favorites I found out there in bloggy land.  

Just the easy stuff of course.

Okay first of all... this video is the CUTEST little girl and needs her own baking show!  I plan on letting James and Bella watch her video and then get to work unwrapping some kisses!  Lots and lots of unwrapping kisses :)

Below is the same exact treat, but using different kinds of kisses...peppermint flavor.  
I think it looks awesome.  

And it comes with a cute printable about the M&M Nativity legend.  
Have y'all heard of this legend?  This is new to me this year...its cute and simple.

Click here for the recipe and free printable from My Computer is My Canvas.

Okay here is another treat using the same method, but with Rolos and Pecans... Yummy Turtles the easy way!  I love Janelle's site, Comfy in the Kitchen...she explains everything sooo well and with step by step pictures...I love that since I am such a visual person!  And she uses her talent of cooking as a ministry to the Lord by serving others.  Check it out!

The next yummy treat I would love to make is Peppermint Bark. (also Janelle's recipe, but she guest hosts over at Women Living Well once a week)  Here is the great recipe.  This looks like it would be difficult and time consuming, but is actually very simple!

Last but not least...I want to make a gingerbread "something" with the kids.  Not sure what yet... Look at this nativity set...oh wait, I said "easy" this year.  Thats right.  Well... it won't hurt to just look at it!  It's just too cute!  But I suppose it would be weird to eat the baby Jesus.  

ya know...come to think of it...no one in our house really likes the gingerbread taste very much.  Maybe I should just stick to a simple gingerbread craft instead.  :)


Go enjoy your kids!  Slow down and focus on Christ this season!  

Family taco night and giveaway!

In the midst of this busy holiday season, 

it is easy to put quality family time on the back burner.

How about scheduling in some time for your family to have a family taco night!?  

It is fast and easy for us moms to plan, and who doesn't love tacos?

Keep reading to enter a giveaway and also for some links to great recipes and coupons!

We try to have a family taco night at least once a month...  

'cause we like tacos, we like family, and we like to spend time together!  

Well, last month, Old El Paso and MyBlogspark sent me this awesome prize package to add some SPICE to our family night. The kids LOVED the chili pepper plates and the cactus chip and salsa platter.  Want this too?  Keep reading...

We tried out a delicious new recipe ...  It was so good! 

Double Layer Tacos  

Old El Paso Favorite Recipe! 

Layered taco shells and tortillas create the "double" in beef- and bean-stuffed tacos.  

Of course as always, the seasoning packet was easy-peasy and awesome.  Click  here for more great recipe ideas for your family taco night.

Well, next month I am going to pair up our usual family taco night with our Christmas Around the World studies we have been doing this month... Mexico.

Christmas in Mexico- Los Posados

Los Posados is one of the cherished traditions of Christmas in Mexico.  It commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and their search for lodging.

Here is how the celebration works:

Children gather at homes.  Each child is given a lit candle.  The children form a line and then begin walking down the street.  The first two children in line carry small figures of Mary and Joseph (or they dress up as the Holy Family.)

As they approach each house they are turned away until they arrive at a replica of the stable in Bethlehem or the "creche". Once the children arrive at the stable, they arrange the figures of the Holy Family. Then they say prayers. After prayers there is a party. There is usually a piñata and fireworks. Traditionally, Christmas gifts are not exchanged on December 25th. Gift are exchanged on January 6th on a day called “Day of the Wise Men.” Instead of hanging up stockings, Mexican children put their shoes out for the wise men (not Santa Claus) to fill with toys.  Check out this awesome video my dad made showing scenes of the celebrations while he plays one of James' favorite Christmas songs! So, to end our study on how children in Mexico celebrate Christmas, we have planned a fun fiesta for January 6th. combining our regular family taco night with a BANG!   We will make a pinata, have fireworks, and of course...the menu includes TACOS!  There is also a fun game that I plan on printing out as part of the fun from Old El Paso that really gets the family talking!  I love that it is totally free and goes with the taco night theme! So...ready for the giveaway!?!

MyBlogSpark and Old El Paso have provided me with a  prize pack to give away to one of you!!!  It includes a packet of original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase some awesome taco fixings.  All you need to do is leave a comment below about your favorite family night memory.  You will earn am extra entry if you comment about a favorite Old El Paso Recipe :)  The give away entry deadline will be January 5th...I will announce the winner on the Mexican Day of the Wise Men!

In addition, you can visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/b069/ to download a printable coupon for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products today!

So...to sum up...

don't forget to spend time with family, 

don't forget to enter the giveaway, and 

don't forget to print out these coupons for some awesome savings now.

Check back soon for info on all the fun stuff we are learning for our Christmas Around the World Studies and how we will celebrate on January 6th!

Gold, Frankenstein, and something with an M...

Here are some quick clips of various Christmas stories for or by children.

Enjoy!

This one is absolutely beautiful!  

Narrated by children and explains WHY Jesus came to earth as a baby
as well as a 3 year old telling the Christmas story reading from the Bible.

This one is silly.  Have you ever heard children's versions of the Christmas story?  Too funny!

The next two videos are from one of my favorite Children's Bibles....

The Jesus Storybook Bible

"He's Here"

*Here is the new video for this year:*

"The Light of the Whole World"

Celebrating

Customize your own digital scrapbook

Blessed

Words on my mind tonight...

Blessed to be a blessing

Mark and I have been blessed in so many ways this year.  

What is amazing is that the blessings are so much more evident in the contrast of the circumstances that could get one down if you focus on the wrong things.  Oh, Lord help me to see Your perspective and not my circumstances!

Isaiah 55:9

 For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
      so my ways are higher than your ways
      and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.

In the midst of a terrible economy, Mark's business has been s.l.o.w. - at times coming to a complete stop.  He lost his 2nd job that provided us a steady income and insurance.  Mark's granddad who was as close as a dad to him died.  While trying to balance paying bills and affording food...I started having terrible debilitating pain and finally after a very long process discovered I have endometriosis and will be having surgery soon.  Taking care of the children and household has been difficult these last few months.  Our relationship has been strained through all the financial troubles, grief, and pain we are both experiencing.  Meanwhile, my sister in law's family has become a wreck.  Her husband left her last year with four young girls, and she lost her house.  Moved to our town and has gotten into the wrong crowd and her children are being neglected in so many ways.  Dfcs is now involved, and we are involved heavily trying to help care for the girls.  It is heartbreaking.  It is overwhelming at times when I don't remember Who is in charge.  When I lose my focus and turn my eyes on anything else but Him.

However, not once have we gone hungry or had a bill go unpaid.  Our relatives have been AMAZING in helping out and giving to us in our time of need.  Overwhelmingly so.  Our church family has really helped out by bringing by meals, offering to take care of the kids, etc.  God has provided a doctor willing to give a huge discount for the surgery costs.  Mark was offered a job with someone we go to church with and it has helped to make ends meet.  Our pastor has helped tremendously walk Mark through the difficult process of helping his sister, and is ready to help out with the family.  The leaders and friends of the church have been there.  family has been there.  God has provided, time and time again and again.  

Lamentations 3:22-23

 ²² The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
      His mercies never cease.
 ²³ Great is his faithfulness;
      his mercies begin afresh each morning.

When I would get concerned about the possibility of taking on my nieces...God would provide the extra clothing and food...like...that day!  When I would lose sight of His purposes in pain and trials, God would send a friend to encourage and remind me of His word.  When I would be concerned about anything, there God was...patiently guiding, teaching, providing.

 

(this random lone patch of flowers was on the beach in Florida during ourThanksgiving vacation)

 Matthew 6:28-33

 ²⁸ “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, ²⁹ yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. ³⁰ And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

 ³¹ “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’³² These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.³³ Seek the Kingdom of God^[a] above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

What an amazing God we serve.

And how has He provided for us?

Through people.  

People.

It is ironic that even in this season of our lives where we seem to be the "needy"...compared to the rest of the world we are still considered wealthy!  We have cars, gas, nice house with comfortable furniture, electricity, air and heat, clean running water, plenty of clothes, warm clothes for the harsh winter, doctors to go to, freedom to worship, grocery stores with an abundance of food to choose from, a government there to help out when families are in need, we have a loving family also very blessed and willing to help, friends in the same boat, I could go on f.o.r.e.v.e.r with the many blessings God has given us...SUCH WEALTH.

Not only has God provided by giving endless material blessings

but He has provided us with love and friendships.  An amazing family.  An amazing church family.

People who give their time to pray for us.  Really pray...not just say it, but do it. 

People who not only give, but ask us how we are...stay and care for us spiritually and emotionally.  They give of their lives, their time, their energy.

James 2:14-20

 ¹⁴ What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? ¹⁵ Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, ¹⁶ and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? ¹⁷ So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
 ¹⁸ Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”
 ¹⁹ You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.^[a] Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. ²⁰ How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

What a blessing it is to see people give.   

It is hard to be on this end of so much receiving.  

Humbling. Pride-killing.
I feel like Peter in John 13...Jesus washing MY feet?!  No, let me wash yours!!!

I didn't expect this as I prayed for God to help me get rid of my pride.

Thank You God for lessons in humility.

 John 13:12-15
 ¹² After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? ¹³ You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. ¹⁴ And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. ¹⁵ I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

On my mind tonight...
To follow Jesus' example and die to myself, to become a servant of others.

Lord, let me return this blessing to others.  Let me serve You by serving others.

How can I serve You today?

Blessed to be a blessing
  
Matthew 25: 35-46

³⁵ For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. ³⁶ I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
 ³⁷ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?³⁹ When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

 ⁴⁰ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,^[f] you were doing it to me!’

 ⁴¹ “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.^{[g] 42} For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. ⁴³ I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

 ⁴⁴ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

 ⁴⁵ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

 ⁴⁶ “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”

How to...

Here is James demonstrating the art of hammering nails into pumpkins.  

He wanted to make a how to video...so I got the camera and started shooting. 

This is an awesome activity to do with kiddos after the Halloween/Thanksgiving holidays.  It's a great activity to let them practice fine motor skills and it uses up those old pumpkins you are about to throw out.  My kids did this for more than an hour!!!  Tons of fun for moms and kids.  I got the idea from reading one of my new favorite blogs.  {I have quite a few...listed at the bottom of the blog if you want to browse :)}