Christmas Home Tour 2013

I haven't been blogging here since the summer, because I usually blog over here.  This blog space is reserved for more family life type of blogging.  And today I am linking up with The Nester for her Christmas Tour of Homes.

I wasn't sure I should even do this, since my photos and decorations are pretty lame compared to the other homes on tour.

But, then I remembered this and this, and decided to present my humble offering.  And then there's one of my favorite Christmas songs, In the Bleak Midwinter and that verse I love:

What can I give Him, poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

So here is our home, and heart, for you to see, along with a few easy tips; Merry Christmas!

It can be a temptation to spend money each year on decorating.  But, the last two years I

have purposed to use what we have.  Sometimes I will visit the $1 store or $1 bins to add a

few new treasures to the mix.  But mostly, I just put things together that we have.  This year

I incorporated shades of turquoise blues to match our home.  

 

An old berry container makes for a fun winter decoration.  Add a simple ribbon or twine to a

candle for a finishing look.

Choose some key phrases or scriptures to display to remind you of the reason for all your

holiday celebrating.  I choose to use "Give thanks", "Be Still", "Let it Snow", and "Merry

Christmas".  Let little hands help and keep the fragile items up high.  Don't be afraid to

display that imperfect artwork by yourself or others.  Dare to offer your handiwork as a 

blessing to others.

Bring the outside in.  I used old birds' nests for my bird figurines.  The white container was 

from a thrift store.  Birds are special to us (since we want to use a particular birds' name for 

our #5).  Choose an easy theme or fun color pattern for your decorating...this will help you

know what to include, or not include, as you deck the halls.

Keep the main thing the main thing...Jesus' birth.  Immanuel, God with us.  With ornaments,
a Nativity, or artwork; lovingly point your family and guests to the Christ of Christmas.

Most of all have fun decorating and keep it simple.  Focus on what Christmas really means- 

Jesus, salvation, family togetherness, being generous and making memories.

This Guy.

In light of Father's Day, I wanted to pay tribute to "this guy"...

My Dad.

I wrote this many years ago, after being inspired by this (from Family Life).

A Tribute to My Father

I have truly been blessed to have you for my dad!  Your generosity, patience, wisdom, faith, strength, and support have helped me to feel secure, valued, and loved- knowing that you are always there for me has given me a deep sense of appreciation, gratefulness, and peace.

Dad, you are such a joy to me.  I love your sense of humor, and quick wit.  You keep me laughing and you fill our home with laughter too.  You help me make light of insignificant worries; your good-nature brings light to life.

I love recalling the silly things you have done... remember when you stood on your kitchen chair and acted like Tarzan- scratching your armpits, making monkey noises, and saying to mom, "Me Tarzan, you Jane!"

I smile as I think of all the crazy camp songs you have taught us, and have filled our minds with (Corner Grocery Store, Sarah Sponda and Abba Dabba).  Not to mention the commercial jingles that you pick up on and torture us with year after year ("School Days" and "Menards", etc.)

I think of the fun times the girls and I had getting dressed us for Father/Daughter dances, dancing on your feet, and going to Joe's for greasy pizza.  What a great dad you are, who will be an awesome grandfather someday day too (you definitely have lived up to this title with the four mini-grands)!

I am proud of your musical talent as well.  You have a good voice and used it publicly with us, singing "Welcome to the Family" at the Methodist Church.

 Listen here to the Psalty version of this song.

 

We have had some wild experiences together, like Space Mountain at Disneyland- where I buried my face on your shoulder, and you turned green, from a combination of the ride and the big breakfast we had eaten that morning!

I remember going to watch Karate Kid and Back to the Future with you... you would whisper things I didn't understand and "fun facts" about the movie, in a little too loud voice.:)

I am so grateful for your sacrificial service to me as I was sick over the years... and how you would run to my room as I continually rang my little "I need your help" bell.

I admire your perfect handwriting and like the way you pause before writing, for dramatic effect?  Guess that runs in the family!

Speaking of running in the family, your delicious gourmet dishes- Swedish meatballs, beef stroganoff, smothered chicken, golden rod eggs- have been enjoyed by my tummy.  I try to follow in mom, Aunt Florie, and your footsteps by whipping up delicious treats in the kitchen too.

I remember many hours spent with you at the kitchen table as you tried to help me with algebra and tax forms.  You were so patient and thorough, yet, I stilled cry with frustration.

How interesting it it that you regularly correct my grammar usage and now I am an English minor.  I will try to master it before I enter the classroom.:)

I so appreciate your loyal support, encouragement, and attendance in all my extracurricular activities:  sports, musicals, choir concerts, etc.  You are so complimentary of my talents, your words and presence have meant so much; thank you.

Dad, your desire to be a man of God and His Word is such an example to me as well.  Your witness to others strengthens and reminds me to reach out and tell others of Jesus' salvation and love too.

Thanks for being you, a wonderful father.  I love you so much!

Love your daughter,

Katie

Happy Father's Day!

My wonderful parents

 

A Movie, The Moon, and Shining like Stars

I am a list maker.  A lot of times my lists do not get checked off entirely...but making them helps me organize my thoughts.  So if you viewed my "Yearly Goals" tab at the top of the blog you saw some movies that I wanted to watch this year.  And last night I watched one (and it is still January)!  Feels good to check it off the list; especially because it was a feel good movie.

My friend Laurie suggested I watch the movie, A Smile As Big As The Moon, and last night I did.  For those of you who don't know I was a special education teacher for four years, before Darling Daughter was born.  I really liked my job, challenges and all; yet it feels like it was so long ago.  This movie reminded me of some of the good times I had teaching.

One of my favorite memories is teaching an Introduction to Theatre class.  We took an abridged version of Romeo & Juliet and turned it into a play.  We worked really hard on it.  It was not perfect by any means, but the students really stretched themselves.  They were costumes and long curly wigs, sword fights and dancing; and drama, both on and off stage.  It was a rewarding experience.  If you haven't seen The Ringer you should watch it.  At the end they too do a performance of Romeo & Juliet too.

The photos in this post are from our homeschool co-op Christmas play.  I am so thankful for Miss Jessica and the quality teachers that our kids are blessed to have; and how bright they shine under their care and encouragement!

My take-away from A Smile As Big As The Moon, is to follow through on crazy and creative ideas that you believe in; especially when it benefits those who wouldn't normally get to experience such a thing.  I remember when I was applying for special education jobs.  I asked an faculty adviser what he thought about the rural school I was considering.  He said something like, "I think you could do better/get a job in a more prestigious area."  I know he was being honest, which is what I had asked for.  But, I remember thinking, "Don't these kids deserve a quality teacher too?"

When I have gone to the doctor or a hospital in a rural area (where I live), I have often thought this same thing.  I surely hope there is a talented and quality doctor here that is willing to set aside prestige and ego to serve those here who really need their help.

I remember one field trip when we drove down to city a few hours away and saw Les Miserables on stage. Some of the students said that they had never been that far out of their hometown!  It was such a privilege to witness them experiencing new and exciting things; making their world a bit bigger and grander than it had been.

This theme runs throughout the movie and I encourage you to watch it.

I was reminded that no matter how many or few students I am teaching (right now it is our mainly our 3 kiddos), it is my job to help them reach beyond what they think is possible and stretch themselves creatively; dreaming big dreams.

There was a quote I had my students paint on the wall of our classroom, "Reach for the moon; if you miss, you will stand land among the stars!"

Hubby's Homemade Mint Hot Chocolate

I love new beginnings, don't you?  This blog has a new name, a new background, and new tabs to more accurately reflect the blog's overall theme.  Check out the "Yearly Goals" tab to see how I am kicking off 2013. 

It was so nice today when the kids were able to get all their winter stuff on (helping each other and doing it without my assistance).  They had a blast playing in the snow and making a snow science museum.  I have no idea what a snow science museum is, only that my kids are having fun building one.:)

In light of my goals for 2013, I was the good Mommy and called them in for hot chocolate before their faces were too red.  Hubby gave me this idea the other night to make homemade mint hot chocolate; so easy and delicious.
  
   Hubby's Homemade Mint Hot Chocolate

   Step #1:  Gather the supplies (Andes mints- I got these crushed mints on sale at Aldi after
   Christmas for $1.30; they are usually quite a bit more- you could use whole Andes mints too.  You
   can crush up candy canes too although that is harder, literally).  Also you will need hot water,
   mugs, spoons, candy canes and hot cocoa mix.

  

   Step #2:  Boil water for the hot cocoa (I like the whimsy of using a teapot).

   
    Step #3:  Add mints to the bottom of the mug

   
  
   Step #4:  Pour hot water over mints and stir.

   Step #5:  Add your favorite hot cocoa mix and stir

  Step #6:  Add a candy cane if desired (careful because it cracks and breaks when the water is hot. 
  Make sure the drinkers know there may be large candy chunks in their drink before it melts).  You   
  can also use a candy cane for dipping too.  Let the drink cool some before you serve it, you can
  always add an ice cube.  Whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles would be a fun add-on.

 

     Step #7:  Enjoy a cup for yourself and the smiling faces that think you are the best!
 

Favorite Things 2012

I am linking up with the Nester for her Favorite Things Party (gifts under $15).  Here are a few of my favorite things...

One Thousand Gifts

Still one of my favorite books, outside of the Bible or course.  Ann Voskamp speaks straight to the heart in this challenging and beautiful book on gratefulness and thanksgiving.  God has used this book to change my perspective and help me grow in many ways.  Click on the link above the image to order from Christian Book Distributors; currently they are selling it for only $7.99.  I bought this book for 3 of my girlfriends this year.

 Tazo Organic Zen Tea

I had this wonderful tea at a friend's wedding.  I have to quote Tazo and what they say about this tea, couldn't say it better myself, "Through the screened front door, zingy lemongrass and spritely spearmint coax contemplative pan-fired green teas to come play. Calmly, lemon verbena opens the door and invites them all to a cup of tea."  It also helped that the server brought me this tea with a personal tea pot and matching cup; made for a total whimsical experience.  $12.95 on Amazon for 24 bags (please consider using the amazon link found on our friend's blog to order, which will help support their upcoming adoption).

Chocola Tea (Loose Leaf Tea)

You can order Chocola Tea's loose leaf tea online (click on the link above the image).  One of my favorites is Princess Sarah (their own special blend of peppermint and licorice- herbal tea).  It sells for $2.85 an ounce.  I am currently enjoying a green tea blend from them, Green Christmas.  They also have individual tea bags/filters so you can enjoy a cup of loose leaf tea without making a whole pot; genius.  Can you tell I like tea?!  They also sell Rooibos tea, Cream Caramel is one of my favorites.  It also sells for $2.85 an ounce as well.

Paperback Swap

Some of my friends (homeschool moms) told me about this site (Paperback Swap).  It is a wonderful way to get rid of books you no longer want or need and get some that you do.  You have to post 10 books to set up an account, and then as people request your books and you mail them out (at book rate) you receive credits to order books of your own (for free).  I have received numerous books this way and it has been so fun; easy and affordable (you only pay shipping on the books you send out and nothing for the books you receive).  Just checked my e-mail and I have another book request waiting, yeah more free books!  Would you mind mentioning my name as a referral when you sign up?  It is free to sign-up and if no one from your address has joined this site before you get two free book credits.  Win, win!

Tiny Prints (Cards)

I have enjoyed ordering from Tiny Prints this year.  They have creative and quality products (cards, invitations, stationary, etc.).  I ordered some of our Christmas cards from them this year and was very pleased with them.  I also ordered a set of cards for a gift too. The card above starts at $2.39 each (if you order 10) and keeps going down the more you order.  They offer numerous on-going discounts as well.  If you order today (Monday, Dec. 17h) you can save 15%-20% on your holiday orders with code: dec20sw

Well, there you have it...5 of my favorite products from 2012. I hope this post helps you with any last minute shopping you have for Christmas or any gifts you may need in 2013.  Of course the greatest gifts are not things, but relationships and investing in the lives of those around you.  I am thankful for the priceless gift of Christ and how He is the gift that keeps giving, never breaks, and is just what we need and want; in Him is true purpose, fulfillment and salvation. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-15  "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (vs. 15)

Our Fall Photo Review

Since I mostly write over at Deep Breaths, I thought I should pause and post some more recent family pictures here.

The fall of 2012 has been good and challenging too.  This fall kicked off a busy season in our lives; I miss the days that were more simple and less scheduled.  We are involved in two homeschool groups (which are wonderful, but keep us hopping).  This fall both Darling Daughter and Sunshine Head played soccer.  And all of us go to Awana each week too.  Thankfully we have a break from soccer for awhile (until Spring).

Here is our fall review in photos:

The beginning of the school year!

Our friend Kristin showed us this great small orchard that sells apples at reasonable prices, we enjoyed homemade applesauce from here.

Hubby joined in on the grape picking fun and helped juice them; yum!

We traveled down to South Carolina from my cousin Sarah's wedding; so good to see the southern relatives!

The kids all dolled up in their wedding clothes

I love this guy!

The kids had so much sweating fun at the reception.  Darling daughter, singing "Call Me Maybe" with the band.

Cold soccer Saturdays.

The cooperative posing that I am so thankful for!

The horse crazy one enjoying her monthly lesson with Spring Willow.

I took a photography class online this fall and started a photography business, Imprints Photography.  Took this photo to document our wait for baby #4. It has been quite the journey of ups and downs; in the Lord we keep hoping and waiting.

Hubby is growing out his beard!

Merry Christmas!  We hope you have had a great 2012.  We have so much to be thankful for.

31 Days with My Brother

If you don't know already this month I am writing once a day on my other blog, "Deep Breaths" about my brother.  Join me over there to learn about this great guy (of course I'm bias)!