I've kind of accidentally become a quasi-minimalist over the past couple years. I'm sure I'm not a "real" minimalist because, let's be honest, sometimes often almost always, my house looks like this. And if I search google images for minimalist home, I get this: So I guess I'm minimalist in the sense that I've come around to the somewhat old fashioned idea that less is more. I tossed a lot of things I'd been saving for some-day. I got rid of clothes I didn't wear anymore. … [Read more...] about Operation Simplify Christmas
Gift Guides for Babies and Toddlers
Here are my top picks for gifts for your little ones. We tend towards pretty simple Christmas gifting, so I stuck to toys that seem to be entertaining to kids for a few years, and that encourage creative, independent play. I made 3 separate gift guides: *one for babies/ young toddlers (birth-2) *one for older toddlers & preschoolers (2-4 years old) *one for gifting experiences *non toy gifts Toddler & Preschooler Gift Guide - TOYS 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 Beads (3+ year … [Read more...] about Gift Guides for Babies and Toddlers
My Favorite Christmas CD Giveaway!
We don't really get into much Christmas hullabaloo around here before Thanksgiving, but the day after Thanksgiving, I busted out my Christmas playlist and am still trying to manipulate my children into choosing it in the car! (I usually let them take turns choosing music when we're driving around town, but I've been pulling the mom card the past week and choosing CHRISTMAS MUSIC EVERY DAY.) In the spirit of giving and Christmas and music and minivans, I want to giveaway a copy of my FAVORITE … [Read more...] about My Favorite Christmas CD Giveaway!
Reflecting on Advent: Hope
Every December, our church, presumably like many of yours, spends 4 weeks on the commonly celebrated themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. And each year, I’m more aware of how I and those around me so desperately long for those 4 things - hope, peace, love, joy. How we try to find them in tinsel and cookies and brown paper packages tied up with string. We wrap and give and cook and celebrate, trying to create hope, peace, love, and joy. But if you look closely at people - really look at … [Read more...] about Reflecting on Advent: Hope
Our Jesse Tree Tradition
Have you ever heard of a Jesse Tree? This blog post sums it up well: “Using a Jesse Tree at Advent involves a series of 25 daily scriptures, devotional readings, and symbolic ornaments. Each day’s theme teaches a piece of redemption history, beginning with creation and culminating with the birth of Jesus. It is visual, interactive, and adaptable to all ages. A Jesse Tree is a great way to lead children through the story and build anticipation for Christ’s coming. Of course, we as parents will … [Read more...] about Our Jesse Tree Tradition