December and Advent and Books

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  We've been doing a little decorating. We won't get our tree for a couple more days, but it's still looking pretty festive around here. The kids are super excited. Nearly every day Levi tells me that he can't wait until Christmas. I feel like Advent is more than half the fun, though. We kicked it off with a little party complete with Christmas tree shaped pizza, hot chocolate, and new Christmas books. My brother and sister-in-law sent the kids a nativity set of their very own, and they opened it that same evening. A few days later we celebrated St. Nicholas day with more gifts and cookies (craft supplies and books). This month is full of so much goodness and fun....the tree farm, drive through nativities, Christmas lights, the kids' very first ballet experience: The Nutcracker, parties, hot chocolate, ornament making, and lots and lots of snuggling and reading.

  Each Advent we pick a kiddo devotional to read through, and we add a few books to our growing Christmas book collection. It's always hard for me to choose which new books to buy. All year I add books to an Amazon Christmas book wish list. Then, in November I spend way too much time looking over the list and trying to decide which ones to get. This Advent we chose to read through Ann Voskamp's Unwrapping the Greatest Gift. It is, of course, beautiful and inspiring and has the added benefit of appealing to all ages. Okay, so my two year old isn't very impressed, but that's to be expected. She does like the pictures, at least. The Advent Storybook is another one of our daily reads. It was the very first advent book that I ever read to my little ones. It's not a devotional, but it is a sweet story (broken up into 24 stories) about a little bear traveling to Bethlehem to meet the baby Jesus. It's become a much anticipated tradition, and we read a story from it each evening leading up to Christmas. Legend of the Christmas Stocking was a St. Nicholas Day present. I wanted a book that focused on the generosity of the real man behind the caricature of Santa. This one delivered. I failed at choking back tears when I read it to them. I am a total sap when it comes to Christmas stories. This Is the Stable and  Something for Christmas were also added to our shelves this year. They are both super sweet reads for the younger crowd. So, what are your favorite Christmas reads?

Henry C. Mouse Is In The House

Friday morning the kids woke up to quite the surprise. Overnight a mysterious suitcase appeared on the mantle. There was much curiosity about what (or who) might be in it...

Well, hello there!

Meet Mr. Henry C. Mouse. He came complete with his own suitcase house, a mailbox, and a proper letter of introduction.

He is a world traveler and has made many friends abroad. Already he has received an advent calendar from Germany!

In his letter he expressed great interest in learning about Jesus and said that he believed there might be a few little kids here who would gladly tell him what he needs to know.

Levi "wrote" a letter to inform Mr. Henry C. Mouse that he was officially welcome to stay and that he and his sisters would gladly help Mr. Mouse learn about Jesus during this Christmas season.

I don't think I've ever seen my kids grin so much or get so into a storyline. They rearrange his house, bring him into their laps to listen to Bible stories, and when the day is done put him into his little bed. Over the course of the next few weeks our mouse will receive a few letters and presents here and there from his friends around the world. I can already see this becoming a yearly tradition...maybe next year he'll bring his wife or send a friend in his place.

I am grateful that I happened upon these posts on Mini Mocha about her Christmas Mouse. It was exactly what we needed this season....especially for Levi who absolutely thrives on imaginative play.

An Empty Manger

We've had a sick weekend around here. I think/hope that we are all mended or at least almost so. Saturday after a stay at home in our pjs kind of day I was browsing the craziness that is the worldwide web. I spotted this manger and at once gasped and declared, "We NEED one of these!" My husband took me seriously, and illness did not deter him from going outside and coming back in with this...

Okay, so he really came in with a manger that was twice as big. If you too decide that you need a manger do not follow the measurements from that link. Unless, of course, you're looking to donate a manger to your church (ours is about to get one). The look of horror on my face (and possibly me saying, "Honey, that can't stay in our living room.") prompted him to exit and come back in with the smaller more manageable version. I believe it is in the 18 inch range instead of the original 30 inches.

My plan is for the kids to fill it with something soft (hay, yarn? I dunno.) on Christmas Eve. Then when they wake up on Christmas morning a baby Jesus will be in the manger they prepared. It's already initiated some great conversations around here...you know once we explained to the kids that it was not indeed a table or a chair.

Hello Advent

This evening I suddenly decided that we absolutely without a doubt needed an empty manger to go under our tree. As I type I can hear my husband making it. Gotta love a man who's game for crazy, last minute schemes! Soon I'll be working on a swaddled doll (inspired by these) to go in it on Christmas day. You might call him Baby Jesus, but around here he's "Baby Je"....a little Sophiaism for you.

Earlier this week I put Stephan up to making us an Advent Wreath....not exactly a traditional one, but I love it. Tomorrow we will light the first candle.

The kids began opening their Advent calendars today, and we pulled out our Advent and Christmas books. Advent Storybookhas become our traditional evening read. I believe this is our third year of it. Each story is short, and they all lead up to the birth of Jesus. This year we're also doing Truth in the Tinsel. For those who are familiar with Jesse Trees this is similar, but it's geared toward a younger crowd. It has a daily scripture and devotional along with instructions for simple ornaments and ideas for other activities to do with your kids. We are not doing every craft/activity that goes along with it. There is enough to do this time of the year without sending myself into a panic because I forgot to buy pipe cleaners!

If you're still looking for something to do for Advent:
 Here's an Advent reading plan for our favorite children's Bible, The Jesus Storybook Bible
A Holy Experience offers a free devotional and printable Jesse Tree ornaments.

And, here are a few of our favorite Christmas books:

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story

A Christmas Goodnight

Who Is Coming to Our House? (Board Book)

Christmas Is Here

What is your family's favorite Advent tradition (newly begun or well established)?

A Little Magic

You know those moments from childhood that are just sheer magic?  This village is one of those...for me and now for Levi.  My parents used to take us to see this every year.  Back then it was in a man's front yard.  Hundreds of people tromped through year after year until he finally had to give it away...probably to keep his neighbors at bay and to save his yard which turned into mush by the time the season was over.  I remember parking far down his street and walking in the cold just to see this.  We would peek into every window and ooooh and ahhhh over all of the little details...the music coming from the church, the advent wreaths on the tables and Christmas trees in each house and store. (This photograph by no means does it justice.)  Every year he added something new, and every year I looked forward to seeing it.   

By the time I had Levi we weren't sure where the village was.  But, this year, we found it.  For anyone else around here who might be looking for it head to Madison.  It's near the railroad tracks, and it is so worth the visit.  Levi was mesmerized....especially by the church with the little people tucked away in the pews and the music streaming from it....magic....pure Christmas magic.  

Are there any traditions from your childhood that you now share with your children...or wish that you could?

Weekend Loves

A few goodies for you...

 

: : If you're still in need of an Advent calendar idea, Leanne pointed me in the direction of this lovely, leafy creation.  I'm also loving this Jesse Tree Calendar.  So what does that make, like 20 Advent calendars that I want for next year?  Ha!

 

: :  Are you looking for some good reads?  Check out Quality vs. Quantity, Some Things That Happen When You Become a Mama, and this valedictorian's awesome speech.

 

: :  On the mama craft radar...this soft book...so very, very pretty.

: :  This beautiful stick weaving tutorial has me excited about my children getting older.

: : Last but not least, if you're just looking for a little bit of pretty, try here.

Happy Weekend!

All Last Minutey

Is anyone (like me) needing last minute advent calendars?  I'm so not on top of things this year.  I blame it on the little ones.  Luckily, they are so cute that I don't mind the need for last minute rushing.
So far I'm digging this, but wishing it was a 24 day one...

 

There's a good basic one here too...a little more traditional...

And, I loooove this one...wish I had more time today...

This one's been on my radar for a couple of years...maybe next year...

Also, I just noticed that Whipstich is doing a little advent sew-along.  The childhood calendar she's basing her's on might just be my favorite.  I'd be kidding myself if I thought I could join in now, but maybe after the New Year.

Do you have any advent plans?

P.S. We do actually have a reusable Advent Calendar, but I don't know where it's hiding.  Moving and renovating have that effect.  I suppose munchkins can't take the full blame.

Baby Jesus Is Coming!!

"And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth"

Luke 1:14

 

"Baby Jesus is coming!  Baby Jesus is coming!"  This is what Levi has been saying all day...including in the middle of the Christmas Eve service.  I thought I might die trying to stifle the belly laughs.  I hope he's not terribly disappointed when he wakes up tomorrow and there's no baby in sight.

May you all have a very blessed and merry Christmas!

Anticipation

The presents are all (okay, mostly) wrapped and waiting...

 

Levi thoroughly enjoyed making the paper pretty.  We painted brown packing paper salvaged from a few recent packages.... 

Of course, there was more goofing off involved than actual painting...

 

 

I hope y'all are having a wonderful time preparing, anticipating, and enjoying. 

A Christmas Festival

When planning Advent activities, I highly recommend checking out some of the local festivities.  You are likely to find ample opportunity for family friendly fun.  One of our favorite museums is the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum.  This weekend they are hosting a fun and free Christmas Festival (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5-8 pm).  You can even get a complimentary breakfast for dinner at their Christmas Diner...real grits included (the "real" part of that is very important for this southern gal).  Levi's favorites? Well, of course, he loved the grits.  But, he was really crazy about the train ride through the museum's lit up town and the carousel...

Okay, I know he doesn't look thrilled, but I promise this is his thrilled look.  He gets the most intense expressions on his face when he's enjoying something...especially something new.  See...here he is hugging one of the horsies...

While we're on the topic of local festivities, I thought I'd share a couple of my favorite ways to find out about them.

~ Subscribe to a local parenting magazine's online newsletter.  I subscribe to this one.
~ Local newspapers are an excellent source as well.  Don't turn your nose up at the smaller ones.  Sometimes you can find some jewels in those.
~ Get on all your local museum's email lists.  Museums often do something special for holidays, and by subscribing to their newsletters you'll never miss out.
~ Pretend you're a visitor.  Check out your Chamber of Commerce's website or call them to see what's going on in your area.
~And, if you live in Mississippi you should check out these sites...Visit Jackson and Visit Mississippi.

So, I'm curious, how do you find out about local, family friendly events?

Wreaths For The Birds...A Tutorial

*This post was featured on One Pretty Thing!*

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Matthew 6:26

Yesterday we made bird feeder wreaths.  Levi really enjoyed this one, and as we were crafting he was shouting "Feed birdies, feed birdies!".

So, here goes a step by step "tutorial"...

Step 1:  Collect supplies.  We used muscadine vines.  Any type of (non-poisonous) thin, bendable vine should do.

We also collected some greenery (rosemary and moss), magnolia leaves (these weren't actually for the wreaths, but they come in handy), peanut butter, twine, and bird seed.

Step 2:  While collecting supplies, you should definitely take a moment to admire the view.  Because, the world is beautiful...

Step 3:  Give your munchkin a pair of scissors and a magnolia leaf.  This will buy you time while you make the wreaths...

Step 4: While your munchkin is busy, take one length of vine and wrap it to create a circle...

Step 5: Continue wrapping vines around your circle until you like your wreath.  The twisted vines hold themselves together, so there's no need for glue...

At this point you can add greenery or just leave it plain.  We opted for one of each.  Rosemary tucks nicely into the wreath and can be wrapped around, and moss can be stuck on with peanut butter in a later step.

Step 6:  Tie a piece of twine around the top of your wreath and place on a plate.  You'll probably have peanut butter and bird seed everywhere despite the plate, but I still suggest the plate...

Step 7:  Smear on the peanut butter, and add seeds.  At this point the munchkin is highly likely to temporarily loose interest in chopping up magnolia leaves....

Step 8:  Take your wreaths outside and hang on some branches for the feathered varieties to enjoy...

Step 9:  When your munchkin plops down on a pile of posts, and says, "Take picture, take picture."  Well, you should definitely take a picture...

Enjoy!

A Bookish Kind Of Advent

When I went on a search for Christmas books for Levi, I expected the selection to be...how shall I put this?  Cute but limited in scope.  And, it was.  There were piles upon piles of adorable books, but to read them you would think that Santa and loads of presents were the only reasons for this beautiful season.  Now, I'm not knocking the big, jolly guy in red, but I'd like for Levi to know how much more there is to the story. Heck, after flipping through Santa book after Santa book, I was pretty much ready for anything but.  Towards the end of my search, I was thrilled to run across a wonderful little gem...The Advent Storybook  is perfect for this season.  It has 24 stories...each one a page long...and each one a piece of a larger story about a little bear (which I think is kind of perfect because I call Levi "Bear").  Benjamin the bear can't wait for Christmas to come.  So each night his mother tells him a story about a little bear who is on a journey to Bethlehem.  According to the dust jacket description, "The little bear, led by a shining star, meets many others on his travels across hot deserts, snowy mountains, through dark, lonely nights. His adventures, filled with acts of heroism and kindness and many small miracles, show him the path to the Christ Child."
Of course I bought it.  We began reading it on Tuesday, and Levi wants to hear each day's story over and over and over.  By the end I'm fairly confident that I will be able to recite this entire book verbatim.  It is destined to become one of our annual Advent traditions...it really is that good.  And, just because I'm reading it to a two year old...don't go thinking you couldn't read it to your older children...you so could!

Lately, I've been browsing the web for more Christmas book ideas...some for now and some for when the munchikin is a tad older.  A few of them struck my fancy.  Have you read any of these?
~ Christ is Born
~ Christmas Farm
~ A Treasury of Christmas Stories
~ Christmas Day in the Morning
~ Gifts of the Wise Men: A Treasury of Christmas Stories
~ A Wish to be a Christmas Tree
~ A Christmas Treasury of Yuletide Stories and Poems
~ The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree: An Appalachian Story

What are your favorite Christmas stories?  I'd love to know.  In case you can't tell, I'm trying to grow a collection.  : )

Busy Days And Little Treats

Unfortunately, there's not a "pause" button that gets pressed during Advent.  Life still moves on at an often overwhelming pace, and, well, let's face it, some days are just too darn busy to add another activity to the to do list.  Somehow, though, children don't seem to get this memo.  No matter how busy the day at hand is Levi will still wake up talking about stickers and his house.  So, I'm trying to come up with what I like to call easy-peasy-crazy-day activities...things that are super simple yet still special enough to keep us focused on the season.  Today, is one of those days, so last night I wrapped up a new Christmas book and put it in front of his house.  The wrapping was simple...just reused tissue paper and ribbon from previous celebrations with a snowflake tag.  I think wrapping up small gifts makes them much more special.  Don't you agree? Oh, and the book?  I so might regret this one, but I bought him The Little Fir Tree...What is it about motherhood that turns a gal so sappy?  I teared up while reading it in the bookstore, and this morning...yep, you guessed it, I teared up again while reading it to Levi.  Oh. my.  Just what the munchkin needs...a weepy mama for Christmas.

I'm expecting at least a couple of really busy days a week, but so far my easy peasy ideas are a little limited.

~I have one more Christmas book to give him, and will probably end up buying a couple more to throw into the mix.

~I'm also on the lookout for a pretty, kid-friendly, and pocket-book friendly nativity set for him to play with.

~And, I'm thinking an all day Christmas music fest would be kind of fun.  The music can travel with us and, ahem, requires zero effort on my part.  

Okay, your turn.  Help this mama out...what are your easy-peasy-crazy-day Advent ideas? 

Paper Flurry

And, the Advent activities continue....

Yesterday, we made lots of snowflakes.  Okay, okay, really I made snowflakes, and he made a paper flurry.  But, either way it was loads of fun.  Today, we'll be baking cookies.  Levi love, love, loves to cook, so we'll be a mixin' and a bakin' up a storm.  Hopefully, we'll come up with something edible that can be packaged up and delivered to friends and neighbors.

So, just in case your brain is a tad fuzzy on snowflake making, here's a little how to for you:

Step 1: Give your little munchkin scissors and scraps of paper.  Expect a mess...a very large, very fun mess...

Step 2:  Cut out squares of white paper for any adults and/or older children who want to get in on the scissor action....

Step 3: Fold Squares in half (corner to corner)...

Step 4: Fold in half again...         

                   

 

And, once again, if so desired. With smaller squares of paper this extra step often makes for difficult chopping...  

 

 
Step 5:  Cut a small piece out of the folded corner...This can just be straight across or you can get fancy with your snipping.  This will be the center of your snowflake.  I cut a small curved triangle out of mine.

Step 6:  Cut shapes out of the folded sides.  Be careful not to snip all the way through to any of the corners.  In other words leave spaces intact on each side of your cuts.

Step 7:  Cut along the non-folded side.  Being careful not to cut into any of the previously cut out spaces.

Step 8: Open, and enjoy.

Step 9: After you've made a kazzillion of these, it is likely that your little munchkin will grow bored with chopping, so hand over some stickers.  We're particularly fond of gold stars... 

Step 10:  Let the kid decorate...because stars make everything prettier...

Oh, yeah, and those fabulous snowflakes you cut out.  Well, they make for some pretty nice window decor...

But, I would suggest getting your fall pumpkins out of your lovely new wintry scene.  Hmmm....me thinks it's about time to pass those along to the chickens.

Other ways to use up the flurry of snowflakes sure to ensue...
:: glue to folded paper to make Christmas cards.
:: Let the munchkins use them in a Christmas collage.
:: Attach to string to create a garland.
:: Tie them onto the tree.
:: Or, package them up in a large mailing envelope, and send a flurry of snowflakes to a friend.

So, what would you do if a flurry of paper snowflakes landed on your doorstep?