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!

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.