Parenting...

Article that you should read: 50 parenting ideas you wont regret
This article is a must read and she provides links to other posts about the list.
What a great resource to share.

Reading the bible in a year...

So, if you all remember, Little Man was trying to do this. Here is the post about it.Read old post here!
My heart is swelling because as I sit here almost a year later, he is almost there. He will be there and finished by Dec 31st. Something about this Little Man, all he does is set his mind to something and watch out! It's been amazing to watch and be a part of this.
I can say that this type of bible was perfect and would make a great gift for those kids in your life. There is a less challenging one as well if I am recalling correctly.

He's enjoyed it and I've enjoyed our discussions. So, I asked what he will do when he's done. Read it again of course. :) But, I think he is hoping for a new devotional this year. Be still my heart!

Blessed Be Your Name

A favorite of mine....
Blessed Be Your Name
Little Man loves this song too! :)

Christmas Cards and Activities...

So, I've been sending them out in stages this year. I think that the last of them will go out this week. I had good intentions of them all going out at the same time. However, throw some sickness in there and well, they get put aside while I tend to my sick kid. I am almost done getting them all out and crossed off my list. I have a few that I will still deliver by hand, but other than that, I think the last of them will be out by the end of the week. Yeah! How about all of you?
Speaking of Christmas, I know I usually have activities for you all. So, let's see if I can round up a list of ideas for you.

Cookies/ Sweets for you to try:

Hershey website photo

Hershey Oatmeal Toffee Cookies I have to make these every year now. I admit, they are yummy!
Cake Batter Pudding Cookies- I am so trying these this year!
Brownie Candy Cups- again a YUM.
Hershey Symphony Brownies
Peanut Butter Cheese Ball - Trying this this year.
I'll leave it at that. I remember back in the day when I piped an entire Christmas Tree cake. One time people, one time!
Might be fun to pipe some cookies again--this time with Little Man. hmmm...I'll think on that.

I'll get back to you all with Craft Ideas...But, really just remember to...make time for some good Family memories! :)

Christmas Ideas...

A thought to ponder....


I knew there was something about that Grinch guy that I liked. :)


If you have kids who still believe. Here is an idea for you.
capture-photo-of-santa-in-your-home

Family Activities
Go here to see many activities you can do as a family.

Cute Craft-lights up and you can make it for under $5

Salt Tree Blog has this on it. Seriously cute!

Click here for instructions!

More coming another day!

Secret Santa & RACKs in a BIG way!

Because we can all use GOOD NEWS! :) Click to enjoy: RACKs taken to a BIG level.

Today, started our Christmas RACKs. While they are so small compared to this, I can't even begin to describe how thrilled Little Man was to be the first one to deliver the RACKs yesterday.

We are all excited. Hope your RACKs are filling your hearts with pure joy as well.

Chime in and share your stories, feel free to link to this blog (via your facebook, twitter, etc) for others to join and understand what we are doing here. The more the merrier.

Have a wonderful day!

RACKs....

Ok, so some of you have emailed and it seems this RACKs idea is taking off. I'm glad you all are as excited as we are about this. This has always been a passion of mine. We do this as we feel called throughout the year but, this Christmas we are making a list and a point to do more.
I've heard from some of you that you are worried about the $ it will cost to do this. I decided to get a list together of ideas that would not cost a lot. In fact I think the whole list will cost less than $10 total.

Things to keep in mind as you create your list:

RACKs are not about the money you invest, instead it is about the way you make a person feel.

Here are just a few ideas that are meaningful and cost are not high.
1. Buy a box of Candy canes and attach one of them to the RACK note, leave it on a windshield or a neighbors door. (There are what 12 in a box, you can do this 12 times, just because it is the same to you doesn't mean it is the same to everyone you gave it to.)

2. Make cards and call a local nursing home or retirement home. Find out who doesn't get much mail and send a card from Santa. :)

3. Visit a local nursing home with candy canes in hand.

4. Make Hot Cocoa and deliver it to someone working outside or someone you think could use a pick me up.

5. Donate clothing to those in need.

6. Bake Cookies and then package them to give to someone who could use a treat.

7. Stand outside a busy store that doesn't have automatic doors and open them for others, do this for a period of time.

8. Donate your time to a cause--whatever cause that may be.

9. Write a note to someone who has made an impact on your life and tell them why.

10. Donate gently used books to a school or library.

You can go here for another inspiration!
52 Random Acts of Kindness - One a week for a year!

So, go spread kindess and be a blessing to others.