A Star From Afar

I was given this product in exchange for an honest review. I am so excited to share this with you all today!

I love the Christmas season. There's so much excitement and watchful waiting. Every year we try really hard as a family to make sure that the kids understand the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't just about gifts and cookies and time off from school. We are really getting our minds and hearts ready for the birth of Christ. I'm really proud that my kids have internalized this message and they get very excited about all the traditions we have together.

This year in a new house, our traditions may have to take some adjustments, but the underlying feelings will still be there. I'm also excited to add new things to the mix. One of those new things is our Star From Afar.

Star From Afar is a book and game that helps families understand the true meaning of Christmas. The set includes a book with a rhyming nativity story and a set of nativity figurines. To play the game you begin by reading the book together as a family. Then each day leading up to Christmas, a parent will hide the star somewhere in the house. The kids get to look for the star and then move the Wise Men to be near the star. In our house we've started as far away from the rest of the nativity set as possible and will be moving the star closer each day.

We've done some other hide-and-seek type things with the kids during Christmas, but my favorite part about this one is that I've told the kids that I'm the one moving the star. There's no secrets about it and I don't have to worry about forgetting and "ruining" things for them. There are also no rules about touching the star or the Wise Men figures. In fact, since we have three kids, each of them gets a figurine to take with them on their search for the star.

Each evening (or morning) after I move the star, I place the Wise Men outside their bedroom doors. That's their reminder to go search for the star when they wake up. They were so cute this morning when I knew that the older two had found it but they were waiting for the youngest to locate it before placing their figurines. They even kept their mouths shut when he got excited to be "the first one to find the star." (They did roll their eyes, though!)

The set itself is made of wood and feels very sturdy. Frances commented that they "feel like butter" because they are sanded very smooth to be safe for little hands. All three of my kiddos (6, 9, and 13) were excited about this idea and the game. I like the idea of them searching for the light each morning. What a great way to start the day!

If you'd like to have a set of your own, you can purchase one on the Star From Afar website. You can use the code FOLLOWTHESTAR for 10% off through December 25, but don't wait that long to purchase because you'll want to use this with your kids this Christmas season. In fact, you can try to win your own set right here:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christmas 2014

I'm having a hard time here getting back into the swing of things! I was ready to go back to work and the kids were ready to go back to school, but now being back, I feel like I don't know what to do. So I shall make a list and cross things off one at a time. And one of the things on my list is a recap from Christmas and New Year's this year.

I did some good sewing and made the kids and my niece some pajama pants. The fabric is some that Ken's mom had bought before she died and never used for anything. We found it at Thanksgiving in going through some of her things. I thought it would be nice for the kids to have a gift from Grams this year.

Frances got in on the act and made some matching pants for her doll. She did almost all of the work herself. I was very proud of her, but more importantly she was proud of herself!

 Henry couldn't choose between his Batman footie pajamas and the new ones I made him, so he word both. Cheese!

Christmas was nice. The kids didn't get up too early. We had enough time to open stockings and eat breakfast before we went to Mass. After Mass we opened gifts. The boys got some new Legos and Lego storage containers. Frances got a drawing book and really impressed me with her skills.

 After Christmas we spent a few days at my parents' house. Henry learned how to ride his bike with no training wheels. Two down and one to go! I teased my mom that since she had been the one to teach Frances and Henry, she might as well teach Ben too!

 We met up with some friends at the Children's Museum. It was warm, but not really warm enough for shorts. This is more my fault for neglecting the laundry while I was off! But I'm mostly caught up now, and Henry has enough pants for school. :)

 The kids got a fish tank for Christmas. It sits on Henry's dresser. We started out with just what you see below, but we've since added some decorations and four fish. Frances picked the first two, and Henry picked out two last night. Benjamin gets his two next Sunday. And I might sneak one in for me. It's a 10 gallon tank, so I don't want to overload it, but I think 6 or 7 fish will do just fine in there.

We had a nice fire for New Year's Eve.  Ken had to work, but the kids and I dined on junk food and binged on TV. They didn't make it until midnight, but neither did I. As is our tradition, I was asleep on the couch and Ken woke me for a kiss at midnight!

I hope you've survived the holiday break and are ready to be back in your regular routine today! Happy 2015 everyone!!

#TuesdayTen: All I Want For Christmas

All I want for Christmas is a clean house and peace in the world. Oh wait!?! That's my mom's Christmas list every year! Now, I honestly wouldn't mind those things for Christmas, but I have people asking, and a linkup to host, so I've got to put a little more thought into it than that! I decided that I'm going to split the list into 5 realistic things I'd like for Christmas and 5 fantasy gift items. And I already got a pretty awesome gift over the weekend. Check here if you missed that announcement!

5 Things that are really on my gift list

1. New dishes--We've only got eight left in the set that we use every day. Unless you count the two plastic plates we sometimes use. That means I can only get through two meals without having to wash dishes. Some weeks that's okay because we only use the plates for dinner, but then some weeks the kids want waffles or pancakes for breakfast and I have a nice lunch, and then we don't have enough dishes for dinner.
2. A new sewing machine--Last time I used mine it made a funny, metal grinding sound. That's the reason it was the last time I used it! I am borrowing a friend's right now so I can make some Christmas presents, but I'm hoping for a new one under the tree.
3. A new pot--We have one 5 quart pot, which is usually enough. Until I want to make spaghetti. I've been boiling noodles in my large frying pan, but it's a bit complicated and I usually spill water doing it that way.
4. New bras and camis--TMI? Sorry! I have a number of bras that don't fit well anymore and need to be replaced. Also, I wear a cami almost every day, but I don't have enough fun colors!
5. A fire pit--We got our back porch rebuilt this past summer and now I'd love even more of an excuse to use our backyard. It tends to be pretty buggy back there, so a fire pit would hopefully keep the bugs away and it would be a great place to hang out 3/4 of the year.

Now to enter a fantasy realm!! These are the things I'd put on my list if money were no object and reality were...much less real!

5 Things on my fantasy gift list

1. Someone to come organize my house. I've got so much stuff to go through, but every time I start I get overwhelmed and give up. I'd love to get the basement in order so we can get the upstairs taken care of so we can...
2. A second bathroom. My first choice would be a whole new house, but barring that, I'd love to have an additional bathroom so we can stop making the kids take a number!
3. My bills paid off. Seriously, I would be so much less stressed if I could just not worry about credit cards and day care bills every week. We're making dents, but they are tiny dents and I'd rather just be done with it!
4. A new truck for Ken. I know this is my list, but giving Ken a new truck would be so wonderful for me! He can't take all three kids anywhere because he's only got two seats and a jump seat. We can't switch vehicles because his truck is...shall we say "quirky."
5. Peace in the world. Not only would it make my mom happy, but it would make the whole world happy. Wouldn't that be wonderful??

What's on your Christmas list? Do you have a fantasy list or a realistic list (or both)? Tell me in the comments or link up you own post using the hashtag #TuesdayTen!

An InLinkz Link-up

Note: #TuesdayTen is taking a break for the holidays, but make sure you come back in the New Year for more great lists AND our one year birthday giveaway! We've got ten gift cards to give away to one lucky winner! It could be you!

Merry Christmas 2013!

Hope Santa is good to you!

Tuesday Ten: Things I Love About Christmas!!

It's almost here!! The kids are so excited, and truth be told, I am too!  I love almost every single thing about the Christmas season.  Today is Tuesday, so I figured it was a good time to make a list of Ten Things I Love About Christmas!

1. The warmth.  Obviously not outside around here (except maybe lately...) but the warmth inside that people seem to be feeling this time of year.
2. The gifts.  Not getting them, but giving them.  I love to see the joy on other people's faces when they open something they have been hoping for. Or when they receive something they didn't even know they wanted!
3. Together time.  I'm not quite feeling it yet...the kids need to get used to being together for an extended time first, but we're getting there. They are mostly working together to clean their room right now.  It's pretty noisy, though, because they are playing together instead.  I'm not gonna rock that boat...at least not until after I've had a shower!
4. Cookies...and pies...and brownies! Yum!!
5. Decorations.  We love driving around and looking at the lights on Christmas Eve.  I also love having our tree and stockings up and decorated with twinkling lights.
6. Reflection. Because it's the end of the year and because Christmas memories seem so embedded in our memories, it seems that this time of year is ripe with reflection and nostalgia.  I love it!
7. Family visits. It's a great time of year to go visit with family.  We don't have much room to host here, so we tend to do the traveling, but that means I can't stress about laundry or other housework while I'm gone, so that's a good things.
8. Time off from work.  Since I work in a college setting, I have extra time off at Christmas.  Sure, that means that I miss out on some other holidays during the year, but when I've got two weeks off in a row, I'm not going to complain!
9. Gifts. OK, this time I mean gifts for me.  Be honest...Who here doesn't like getting presents?  That's what I thought!!
10. I saved the best for last: The reason for the season! I love Christmas because it is when we celebrate Jesus' birthday. We celebrate Him coming into our hearts. We celebrate light coming back to the Earth.  Christmas is such a great time for a reminder that God is always with us and that He loves us so much that he even chose to come to us as a mere baby so he could experience our lives in full and give us even more ways to relate to him.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Tag

Nicole tagged me for a fun Christmas post.  I'm probably late, but I was celebrating other things last week, so I couldn't get to this.  This meme comes along with some Christmas-related questions to answer and then I'm supposed to tag some friends.  Since I'm so late, I'll just go ahead and tag anyone who reads this and wants to play along!

1.       What do you love the most about Christmas time? 

I love the Christmas spirit. Everyone seems kinder and happier around this time of year. People think of others, donate time and money to the less fortunate, and buy each other gifts.  I wish we could treat each other that way all year round (except for all the gift buying; I'd be broke pretty quickly!!)

2.       Do you celebrate the holiday in style or is Bah-Humbug for you?  I am not at all a Bah Humbug type of person. I love decorating the tree and house, baking cookies, spending extra time with my family.  

3. Are you leaving anything out for Santa Claus this year so he remembers to leave your presents? Santa usually gets cookies.  The thing that changes is who makes the cookies. This year I should have time to do some baking with the kids. We have a special little plate we leave cookies on with a mug of milk.
 
4.       What is the one gift you are most looking forward to GIVING? {It can be to your kids, another family member, etc – remember to be discreet if they read your blog!} I can't really answer this because I'm not sure who will read it! I made some nice pictures that I am excited to give. I'm hoping they go over well!!

5.       What is your all-time favorite Christmas movie?
I love the Polar Express!  The story is classic and there is just something about the animation that seems so real.  There were a few summers where it was offered as a free movie at our local theater and I got cold watching it!!
  

6.       What is your all-time favorite Christmas song? I love the song "Mary Did You Know."  It never fails to make me cry!!

7.       If given the opportunity would you participate in an “Ugly Sweater” party and what sweater would you wear?  Peruse one on the internet or even in your own closet and show us!
I have a great sweater vest with Christmas trees, along with bells, sequins and all that great, tacky stuff!  I don't ever actually wear it, but if it was required for a party, I'd be ready! I can't get to a picture of it right now!

8.       Have you started any Christmas traditions this year that you plan on carrying forward?
I got the kids new pajamas this year.  I think we might open those on Christmas Eve. I've seen a lot of people mention that, but we've never done it before.

9.       It’s Christmas morning … what does it look like outside where you live?
Here in Virginia it's a toss up! There are some years we've had lots of snow.  This year the forecast is calling for sunny 40 degree weather.

10.   You just found yourself standing under the mistletoe … who comes up to give you a kiss first? I'd likely be attacked!  The kids love mistletoe!  And they love giving kisses.  Especially when there is a challenge involved.  Ken would probably get there first, though. He's taller and can reach me better!

The Mother of All Meltdowns: Gift Idea and Giveaway!

First of all, I have to say that it's a good thing that Bobby's job is to check up on the kids every day, and not tattle to Santa about what I've been doing!!  Because what I've been doing might get me into a little bit of trouble.  I've had a few meltdowns this year.  OK, fine, more than a few!  But there's only proof of a couple of them. And the proof of one of them is right here in this book!  Have you bought your copy yet?!?

Let me tell you, The Mother of All Meltdowns makes a great stocking stuffer or Christmas gift. Have a mom? Know a mom?  Are you a mom? Thought about being a mom?  If you know anyone who fits in to any of these categories, then this is a great book for them!  And I've got great news!

The Kindle and Nook versions have been dropped back to 99 cents from now until Christmas!  You can also head over to our CreateSpace Store and order a print copy for half off! You will need the access code moam123 to log in and then you can use discount code 75N5ZSBR to reduce the price for a printed copy to $4.99.  

Still not sure?  Why not head over to our blog and subscribe now for a chance to win free books and this awesome cocktail party set from Philosophy.  We will be having random drawings every Wednesday between now and Christmas!

10 on Tuesday: Christmas and Advent Books for Kids

I love Advent! I love the preparation time for Jesus' birth; for light coming back into the world.  And I love experiencing it with my kids!  Today's list is all about great books I've read with my kids (or would like to read with them) during the holiday season. These are also affiliate links, so if you purchase any of these books through my blog, you will be helping out our family as well!



1.     This book is a precious little rhyme about all the animals getting the stable ready for Jesus to be born. 

2.     Who could resist The Polar Express and believing in the magic of Christmas?


3.     This is actually a set of books, one for each day of December until Christmas. The books can even be hung on the tree as decorations after reading them!

4.     I love Tomie dePaola and his retelling of legends.  This one features the story of the poinsettia and one girl's gift to the Christ child.


5.     Have your kids ever wondered how the Santa story and the story of Jesus' birth mesh?  This books tackles that subject in an engaging way.

6.     My kids LOVE I Spy! books.  This is a fun Christmas one!!

7.   This may not count as a book, but it's a book-like set, so I went with it!  It comes with a manger scene and little gift boxes to unwrap that tell the meaning of Christmas.

8.     This story explains Christmas is a way that your littlest ones can understand with text and pictures that your older kids will appreciate.

9.     This version is set in the old west with a contemporary mother explaining the story of Jesus' birth to her son.  Written by a historian, it is a great story for older kids.
 
10.     Max Lucado is a great author for adults, but it turns out he writes equally well for children.  This is a great story illustrating that God has a special plan for each and every one of us.

Have You Made Your Christmas List Yet??

Are you done with your Christmas shopping?  I'm not!  Haven't even really started.  Well not completely.  I truly like to take my holidays one at a time and so I typically try to finish with Thanksgiving before I start in on Christmas.  We like to savor Advent around here.  But I get that not everyone feels that way.  In fact, I know a few people who finish their Christmas shopping for the following year by shopping at all the after-Christmas sales!  I would totally LOSE anything I tried to buy that early!!

I have nothing against people who finish all their shopping early.  Kudos to you for having the brain cells to remember where you put it and who it's for!!  I try really hard to accommodate all of my early shopping friends and relatives, though.  Especially when it comes to gifts for my kids.  I have running lists in my head of things I would never buy them things they might enjoy having and don't own yet.  I also have a very special list here.  Go check it out.  Unless you've already bought my kids presents. Because then it's probably already too late.  But don't worry! I'm a forgiving person!

We have bins just like this at home!

If you're visiting from Margarita Mommies, then welcome!  I hope you enjoy it here. If you do, make sure to leave a comment so I can return your visit.  And you can find all my follow buttons at the top of the right-hand sidebar.  Thanks for stopping by!!

The Magic of (Our) Christmas (Tree)

Ken used to manage a Radio Shack back when Frances was a baby. He was (and still is) obsessed with electronics and gadgets I'm pretty sure that if you asked him, he could still tell you the stock number on a package of batteries. It's a fascinating party trick!
It was also a time that we acquired a LOT of electronic gadgets that we still use.  One of those is a set of plug and play adapters that allow you to remotely turn outlets in your house off and on.  You could plug lamps into these outlets all over the house and then turn them all on at one time with the remote.  I suppose they would also be really useful if your outlets are located behind furniture-you could still turn things off and on without having to have access to the outlet.  However, we have never used the system for those purposes.  Nope. In our house we used them to convince our children that they could perform magic!
When we got the tree out this year and the kids saw the lights, they all ran to their room and started yelling about dress up stuff. I was confused as to why they all ran away at the same time, but then they returned to the living room decked out with capes and magic wands. {Note to self: We have a LOT of magic wands at our house.}
When Frances was little, we had the lights plugged into the adapter (truly because the outlet was behind the tree and we didn't want to have to keep climbing back there).  Ken told her that if she waved her magic Princess wand at the tree and said the magic words (which at the time were "Bibbity, Bobbity, Boo!") that the lights would turn on.  She was fascinated!  We had to have the remote in close range at all times in case she tried to test out her skills.
This year she had passed along the story to her brothers who were very excited to try out their magical skills.  They started yelling all kinds of incantations at the tree, which of course didn't work because we hadn't even gotten the lights on yet. We convinced the kids to help us get the lights situated before they tried again.  We even had to explain that the wands hadn't performed magic in a long time and maybe they should shake them a few times. Then they had to practice which magic words they would use. Some favorites:

Abracadabra!

Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious!

Bibbity Bobbity Boo!

And then my favorite: "Lumos!"  We even taught them to say "lumos" to turn the lights on and "nox" to turn them off.  It's great when Frances hasn't combed her hair and she looks a bit like Hermione Granger!!

This isn't Frances, but you see what I mean, right!?

Benjamin has the typical two-and-a-half year old issues with pronouncing new and big words.  And even though "nox" isn't difficult to say, it is unfamiliar. So he says it like something he's heard more often: "knock knock!"  Then the kids start telling jokes and rolling on the floor laughing and it takes a while to regroup.

"NOX!"

Elf on the Shelf

I will admit it. We have an Elf on the Shelf.  His name is Bobby.  Frances named him that back when she was the only one of our children who could talk.  Ahhh...those were the days...
Sorry! I got lost in a memory there!!

Anyway, unlike some other people who have too much time on their hands, our elf is quite boring.  Bobby started out his visit this year by hiding in the kitchen cabinet.  Why the kitchen cabinet, you ask?  Because it took me an hour to find the blasted thing Saturday morning and I needed a place the kids hadn't already seen.

I hid him in my sleeve, snuck into the kitchen and then very nonchalantly asked Frances to come put away a few groceries that were still in a bag on the floor.  She asked me three times which shelf to put it on before she looked high enough to see him.  Then the kids came in the kitchen and giggled for about 10 minutes.

He has also been seen swinging from the ceiling fan and sitting on the shelf with his arms around a Willow Tree angel.  Today he is sitting in the key holder by the front door.  Unfortunately, I am running out of places to put him that the kids can see but not touch.  Yesterday he fell over on the dining room shelf halfway through the day and the kids about lost it!

Frances totally believes in this little elf who goes to the North Pole and tells Santa about her day, but I'm not sure Henry is buying it.  He had a rough day on Saturday and was doing a lot of yelling and foot stomping.  That evening I was talking to him about his day and I asked him what he thought Bobby was going to tell Santa about him for the day.

"He's inside the cabinet. He can't see anything anyway!"

was his reply.  Then I informed him that Bobby could still hear him and his eyes got all big and I could almost see him replaying his day inside his head. Gotcha!!