Tag Archives: Christmas

Christmas

#SantasHelperSwap Gift Reveal

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gift-768x1024 #SantasHelperSwap Gift RevealHey everyone!  I was super excited about participating in the Gift Swap hosted by Mrs Tee Love, Life & Laughter and Phenomenal Mama!  Shopping for just the right gift was a blast (and hopefully she loved it) and getting my own in the mail was fabulous too!  I always love getting things in the mail, this one was extra fun!

I had the pleasure of receiving a gift from Mrs. Tee!  She sent me a beautiful calendar (which I almost bought for myself when I was out Christmas shopping!), an adorable picture for my coffee themed dining room, a magnetic to-do list (she must be psychic, I’m a list fanatic!) and a cute little stocking with my initial on it!  😀

I loved my gifts and am so thankful for them!  Glad we could help Santa out!

Mrs. Tee, thank you so much!!!

If you missed out this year hopefully you can get involved next year!  You’ll be glad you did!!!

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Originally posted 2013-12-16 09:59:40.

Book Reviews, Books, Christian, Holidays, Reviews

The First Christmas Night

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first-christmas The First Christmas Night
What a special story, that will be told forever!  I love the way this book was written, seems like it brings God back into a poem.  Nothing like making a story lyrical to remember it!  I don’t think that this story could ever be told too many times, and I love hearing the different ways from such creative authors!
About
The First Christmas Night is a beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus on that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and winds though Christ’s birth, the angels’ appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men.  The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich acrylic illustrations of Christine Kornacki.

’Twas the very first Christmas when all through the town

not a creature was stirring—there was not a sound.

The moon shining bright in the heavens so high

gave the look of midday to the Bethlehem sky.

The animals were nestled in warm, cozy places

with looks of contentment on each of their faces.

About the Author
Keith Christopher is a composer, arranger, orchestrator, and educator, and he has served as editor and producer for several major music publishers. In addition to writing and studio producing, Keith is on the faculty at the Blair School of Music of Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.
 
About the Illustrator 

At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children’s books began to take shape, including illustrating the best-selling The Sparkle Box for Ideal’s Children’s Books. Christine’s recent work also includes illustrating the six-book series for the American Girl historical doll characters Marie-Grace and Cecile.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.

Who is it for?
Kids ages 4-8 – The rhyming language can help them develop verbal language skills and learn to read
Family story time during the holidays
Children’s Ministers and Sunday school teachers
Christmas carolers could set it to a tune!

 first-christmas The First Christmas Nightfirst-christmas The First Christmas Nightfirst-christmas The First Christmas Nightfirst-christmas The First Christmas Night

The First Christmas Night 

Written by: Keith Christopher

Illustrated by: Christine Kornacki

Publisher: Ideals Books

Hardcover: 32 pages
$16.99
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Originally posted 2013-12-05 09:12:22.

Christmas, Crafts & DIY, Holidays

4 Simple Ways To Preserve Christmas Memories

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Every year there seems to be a new ornament that is special come into our house.  The one pictured was to celebrate our engagement, though not every one is celebrating such milestones they are all so very special.  We have ornaments that simply have a story, like the one we bought because it reminded us of some family joke for that year or the one that is a representation of the year Monkey was on Swim Team.

download-300x225 4 Simple Ways To Preserve Christmas Memories

Little Notes

Regardless of the reason that an ornament is special, I want to know that in 60 years I can remember exactly why that one was chosen.  So, in order to remember that special story I have taken to writing each story down on a piece of paper and sticking it into the box.  Every year when I take the ornament out, I re-read the note and smile.  The greatest way I can think of to remember our blessings each year is by starting out reading each one on our little notes!  It also helps motivate me to take a break when it’s time to put them away again.  LOL

download-300x225 4 Simple Ways To Preserve Christmas Memories

Ornament Book

Another great way to remember these things is an ornamental book that you can write in.  I have one that I write about our Christmas in every year.  I write about funny moments or whatever memorable events happen each year.  I also write about special decorations that don’t necessarily stay in boxes, like the village that my Granny gave me or the bunny rabbit that was my Dad’s favorite toy when he was little.  I love these things so much and I hope that they one day become special to my kids also.  Having the little book helps with that!  Plus, it hangs on the tree so that we remember to not only write in it during the Holidays, but also can pick it off and re-live each story written inside!

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Pictures!

download-300x225 4 Simple Ways To Preserve Christmas MemoriesI am a picture fanatic, right now I have far more pictures on my computer, flash drives (yeah, plural, don’t judge!), and even on my husband’s media storage stuff to count!  Another great way to preserve memories is to get or make ornaments that display your family.  We have some store bought ornaments that hold our family pictures and we also have some that I’ve made to display other pictures.  Regardless of how you do it, you’ll cherish them as you take them out each year and remember that bad haircut, those lovely braces, or the year that you burned your eyebrows off over the grill!!  (Yep, that one was me!)
download-300x225 4 Simple Ways To Preserve Christmas Memories

download-300x225 4 Simple Ways To Preserve Christmas MemoriesSound Bites

With technology advancing year after year, sound bites are even on the table these days!  You can get record able ornaments to record your little one saying ‘Merry Christmas,’ singing their first Christmas carol, or even the joyful sound of your family’s laughter.    Just remember, no matter how ridiculous it seems at the moment you will treasure it for years to come!download-300x225 4 Simple Ways To Preserve Christmas Memories

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Originally posted 2013-11-30 00:01:00.

Christmas, Movies, Reviews

Coming Home For Christmas

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viewer Coming Home For ChristmasI am just going to start this review by confessing: I am a Christmas junkie.  I love it, all of it, the Christmas specials, the feelings they bring, holiday gatherings, decorating, all of it!  The thought of having a perfect Christmas drives me all year long!  This year I have had the privilege of reviewing Christmas stuff- I’m in way up to  my ears with happiness over this one!!!

Now, on to my thoughts!  The movie has a great story!  Having seen probably a hundred Christmas movies, I can honestly say that I haven’t seen this story before!  I loved the story and the message behind it!  The set designers did a great job of making it a believable little town and homes!  The actors could use some work, but then perhaps the fact that they aren’t household names is what makes this special.  The film makes you feel good and even amidst mediocre acting you want to watch, to hear the story, to see it unfold.

Overall, I can’t turn down any holiday movie, good or bad.  This one has a great story, an actual unique one which is a rarity.  While this probably won’t be your new holiday favorite, it is one you will feel good watching.  Personally, I enjoyed it.  I am a sucker for a good Holiday story!

About The Movie

After their parents separate, two estranged sisters who haven’t been on speaking terms reunite in hopes that having a family Christmas all together for the first time in years will bring their Mom and Dad close again. They plan to do this in their old family home… the only problem is someone else lives there now.

The DVD includes a limited edition Norman Rockwell print!

Who is Norman Rockwell?  Rockwell was famous for his famous American culture illustrations and artwork. He was born in the late 1800’s and died in the mid 1900’s.

Director: Vanessa Parise
Cast: George Canyon (Christmas Miracle, Dawn Rider, Man of Steel), Aaron Pritchett, Britt McKillip (Dead Like Me), Carly McKillip (Hot Rod)
$14.99
Available at Walmart
Soundtrack also available featuring holiday songs performed by George Canyon
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Originally posted 2013-11-22 00:01:07.

Christmas, Holidays

The Christmas Tract & Ten Must Do Crafts

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The-Christmas-Tract-300x300 The Christmas Tract & Ten Must Do CraftsThe-Christmas-Tract-300x300 The Christmas Tract & Ten Must Do Crafts

 

Attention spans for children can be pretty short.  Keeping the attention of a group of them is an even bigger challenge.  If you’ve ever taught, worked in daycare or just have a set of multiples then you already know that.  I absolutely love The True Story of Christmas Tract.  Each set of pages tells a piece of the story and another page that is interactive and ‘moves’.  I will admit that I spent a ridiculous amount of time playing with the tract. It was too much fun, I had to keep playing.  LOL

The-Christmas-Tract-300x300 The Christmas Tract & Ten Must Do Crafts

This is the absolute perfect little Christmas tract to use for Sunday School,homeschool, or even just to have for the kiddos.  What a fun way for them to get the hands on memory with the story!  Getting into the story will also help them to put it to memory better, develop even more happy memories in learning the Word.

There are so many activities to do in relation to The True Story of Christmas.  I absolutely love the thought of doing a new one each day of the Christmas season so in addition to this wonderful Tract, I’ve decided to share some additional Christmas projects from some wonderful folks around the blogosphere!  Enjoy!

  1. DIY Nativity Story Stones
  2. DIY Stained Glass Nativity
  3. DIY Nativity Ornament 
  4. Cinnamon Stick Nativity Set
  5. Toothpick Nativity
  6. Popsicle Manger Craft
  7. Nativity Play Popsicle Puppets
  8. Baby Jesus Envelop Crafts
  9. Baby Jesus in a Manger Craft
  10. DIY Pop Up Nativity Card

 

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Gifts, Holidays, Music, Products

#MercyMe Christmas CD: It’s Christmas!

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mercyme-300x300 #MercyMe Christmas CD: It's Christmas!Mercy Me It’s Christmas​ CD will be available in Pizza Ranch locations beginning November 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015.  It has 4 exclusive songs that can only be found on the CD version being sold by Pizza Ranch.  Each CD will be sold for $5 plus tax.  Pizza Ranch will give away the CD with a $25 gift card purchase as well as sell the full album at each of its 200 locations throughout the Midwest and Great Plains states.  “We are so excited to debut our new Christmas album, MercyMe, It’s Christmas, with Pizza Ranch” said Bart Millard with MercyMe. “Pizza Ranch is a fantastic restaurant with a great mission to glorify God. It’s the perfect gift to give this Christmas season and the perfect CD to get you in the Christmas spirit.”

My Thoughts

Everyone loves Christmas music, right?  The only problem is that over playing thing they do around the Holidays.  So, before you get played out check out Mercy Me in their CD done for Pizza Ranch.  With great voices singing all these wonderful songs, you’ll definitely want to add this CD to your Christmas music collection!!!

mercyme-300x300 #MercyMe Christmas CD: It's Christmas!About Pizza Ranch:
Cultivating its mission “To give every guest a legendary experience” since its inception in 1981, Pizza Ranch connects with its communities in a way that provides bridges for friends, family and colleagues to come together. Today, Pizza Ranch is based in Orange City, Iowa and owns, operates and franchises over 190 locations in 13 states. Consistent growth has been a Pizza Ranch staple, as the brand has become a beacon of community involvement and exceptional food. The Pizza Ranch buffet features legendary pizzas, salads and desserts, and is delivered with an unmatched service quality.  “We are extremely blessed to have a very close connection with our guests,” said Adrie Groeneweg, co-founder and president of Pizza Ranch. “This project extends the brand’s essence to a new dimension beyond our four walls and into their lives. It’s a new kind of way for us to relate to our loyal fans.”

SOCIAL • CORNER

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mercyme-300x300 #MercyMe Christmas CD: It's Christmas!

Be Sure & Check Out These too:

Christmas Tracts & Ten Must Do Christmas Crafts

Christmas Love Letters from God 

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