Encore

Coming back to KY3 on December 13 to share some more Christmas ideas!

And isn't Paula Morehouse teeny? She's sweet as can be--even helped us set up, take down, and walked us to the door. Very nice. So was Debbie Enlow, who produces the show. I've known Deb since she was in college and am so proud of her!!

Meanwhile, Nathan was playing a great Kenneth, saying, "Anything else, Miss Lemon?" at every turn. Anyone else out there a 30 Rock fan?

Advent How-To

Welcome! Following are three ideas to help you count down to Christmas with your children, all while reinforcing the true meaning of the season. Filler ideas found at the end of the post.

Stocking advent
Inspiration for this idea found here.






Supplies: felt; assortment of random buttons, beads, sequins, brads and ribbon I had on hand
Not a seamstress? No problem. Make paper stockings.

December Boxes
Inspiration for this idea found here and here.


Purchase 25 craft (paper mache) boxes from Hobby Lobby. Paint. Add numbers and embellishments.

Supplies:
Poster frame: Hobby Lobby, $16 (or use coupon for 40% off)
Paint: Craft Smart acrylic, Pale Blue; Apple Barrel acrylic, Leaf Green; Folk Art acrylic, Cardinal Red
Circle numbers: Every Jot and Tittle
Other numbers: Thickers
itty bitty numbers: Cut from scrapbooking paper sheet, Teresa Collins, Documented
Adhesive chipboard: Cosmo Cricket, Jolly by Golly (available locally at The Scrap Nook)

Happy Birthday Jesus! 7 day Scripture/Countdown


Cut 7 strips of paper. Write/print and glue one of each of the following verses on the backs.

Chain link 1:
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Link 2:
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were sore afraid.

Link 3:
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people

Link 4:
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.

Link 5:
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Link 6:
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying

Link 7:
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:8-14 KJV

Children remove a link in the chain each of the seven days before Christmas and read the scripture on the back.

Supplies:
Jenni Bowlin, mini Bingo Christmas cards
Transparency: Creative Imaginations
Arrow sticker: daisy d's
Paper: Making Memories FaLaLa and Glittered Poinsettia Red FaLaLa and Flocked Dot
Letters: my stash--can't remember but I think I bought them at Hobby Lobby

You've made them. Now what???

Ideas for filling your stockings and boxes:

• candy (my least favorite)
• event tix for that day (The Nutcracker, etc.)
• Bible verses
• Nativity figures
• A message to your child telling of a special craft you'll do that day, a seasonal baking project, or a trip you might be taking to serve food for needy folks, etc.
• Small craft supplies for a project you want to do that day
• A clue to something in another location

Beginning December 1, I'll be posting daily, counting down to Christmas. Keep checking back for Christmas ideas and recipes, and just the general day-to-day of this busy home!

The Place to Be

Busy, busy, busy . . . getting my craft on . . . preparing for my 15 minutes of fame (or 4, actually) . . .

KY3 morning show this Saturday, Nov. 28 at 7 a.m.
Me.
Sharing some Christmas countdown crafty-ness. Three ideas to help you answer that "How long until Christmas?" question your kids have already asked a dozen times.

Sneak peeks:

Ali fans might recognize this idea:

Plus a nativity countdown still in the works.

Directions and detailed photos will be posted on my blog this weekend.

And now, on to more important things. I am thankful.

For my honey, Nathan.
xoxo, sweets.

For this guy (and his soccer medal, earned last night):

And for the spirited, chatty, teensy girlie behind these big brown eyes:

Who and what are you thankful for? Happy Thanksgiving, dear blog reader!

Rock n Roll Ruth

Growing up, I always knew she was the coolest mom on the block.

All the neighbor kids would come over to see her hula-hoop. She was legendary. The hoop never fell. Never.

And she could play Ms. Pacman on the Atari until her hands were blistered. No level was too difficult, no ghost too quick for her. She beat the game. Every. Time.

In Kid World, those two talents made her a superstar.

I'm still struggling to keep up with her. She's tweeting, Facebooking, and mastering every app on the planet for her smart phone. She's even listening to my music. (It's just bizarre to come to your mom's for lunch and hear Coldplay streaming from the stereo.)

But now, her cool points have skyrocketed. My mom's piano music is on iTunes. Find it here and here. It's also on Amazon.com. Go here and here.

What will she conquer next? Did I mention she recently got an electric guitar? (I think all those Guitar Hero whoopin's against dad finally went to her head.)

She claims she won't get serious about learning guitar until there are no grandbabies left to hold.

Not sure I believe her. More probable: she'll be playing Chris Martin's "Fix You" guitar solo by Christmas. Rock on, mom. Rock on.

Finding Jesus

While covering a picture he was making with Nativity stickers . . .
(Thank you, Patty Ingold)
Ian decided it was time to bring the Nativity set down from the attic.

Much rejoicing ensued when said Nativity was located and presented to Ian and Lilly. In fact, Ian broke into song, belting out a vein-popping rendition of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
(Thank you, A Charlie Brown Christmas)

Ian proceeded to set up the Nativity, neatly arranging the shepherds with their sheep and the wise men together. Lilly was taking the donkey on a journey to Bethlehem.
(Thank you, Picture Bible)


The peace and excitement of that night in Bethlehem seemed to be playing out perfectly in my living room.

There was only one problem.

Jesus was missing.

Ian and Lilly would not rest until baby Jesus was found. We began our search, first ransacking the "stuff" tub, then Ian's closet and under beds, until baby Jesus was finally located at the bottom of a toy tub in Lilly's room.

And when he was found amidst much shouting and jumping, everything changed.

Appropriately, Jesus became the central figure in their play.

He was kissed

and showered with sweetness.

Everyone came to visit him.

It all reminded me, as Christmas approaches, may we keep Christ in it, at the center--of our holiday and our home.
(Thank you, God, for Jesus)

Merry (almost) Christmas.

Artist?

It's exciting to see your child grow and develop and watch his strengths come to light.
Nathan always loves it when Ian draws because Nathan is a designer/Creative Director and it means Ian has some of daddy's gifts.
What do you think?

Pretty great for a four year old?

Today we'll be battling sweet Lill's nasty cold. Bless her heart.
And tonight . . . Book club!! Since it's at my house this month, think I'll force them to pose for a group photo. :)

Soccer Star

Sheer delight to watch this little man play soccer.
Loving the two thumbs up he does to us with a huge grin after every play.
Proud of his hustle and the way he anticipates where that ball will go.
Amazed at how being a parent is so infinitely special, even (especially!) during a simple pre-K soccer game.





Daddy brought home a brand new, official youth soccer ball for this little man tonight.
Joy.

Also brought home by daddy tonight?
"Up"--out on DVD today:

Ian still says the highlight of Disney World for him was meeting Mr. Fredricksen. Ian has an old soul.

Love. That.

He empathizes with Mr. F, and like him, Ian is kind and seems to possess compassion beyond his years.

We surprised Ian with an "Up" watch party. Grandma and grandpa showed up with a bouquet of helium balloons to celebrate the event.

Loved Nathan's tweet: "Ian watched "Up" tonight. We watched Ian."
He acted out every scene as he watched. He doesn't play the child, Russell's part. He plays--you guessed it--Mr. F.

I think he and Mr. F are kindred spirits. (Have I mentioned I love Mr. Fredricksen?)

Have you seen Up? What did you think?
What recent moments have made parenting extra special for you?

No Girls Allowed

Annual breakfast for dads and granddads at Ian's preschool.
Nathan looks forward to it all year.

Oh Happy Day

With temperatures in the 30s, frost on the ground, the furnace and fireplace full speed ahead, and these two snuggling in front of the television, it feels as if fall has finally arrived.


The weather promises 65 degrees and sunny today. We'll see.

Wishing you all a day this happy:

I can't look at it without smiling. Can I just say, Lilly LOVES stickers?
We find them everywhere--the hardwood floors, the dresser, the piano, my hair . . .

How's the weather in your neck of the woods? Has fall arrived, or do you even have seasons where you live?

I get a KICK out of you

Ian's first ever soccer game was tonight. The game opened with him kicking the ball from mid-court that scored a goal. He was good, really good!!!

On the way home: "Mama, I want to wear these special socks (shin guard socks) forever. Are you gonna make me take them off?"

There is that whole "bathing" thing, so, yes, we eventually took them off.

He absolutely LOVED soccer. Grandpa got some great iPhone shots/videos and I'll definitely bring my camera next week.

And just like that, I'm a soccer mom.

Immensely enjoyed hanging out with the Segars boys today. Seriously. Great. Kids.

The best part? My parents and their grandparents (Van and Jean Segars) are lifelong BFFs, and their dad (Shane) and my bro (John 2)/I were buds growing up, and today our children were having a blast together. Catch all that?

Anywho, it's just special to see a bond continuing for three generations. Nice. So glad to have them in town for a visit.

Thanks for the tree climbing, football throwing, leaf pile jumping, trampoline flipping, rock band playing, rowdy day, guys. Ian was in heaven. See you soon.

Oh, and I'm completely amazed no injuries were sustained in all the craziness. Whew.

Looking forward to you all moving here in January. See you then, friends.