Sunday, December 25, 2011

CHRIST is what it's all about!

We LOVE Christmas...what a joyful time of celebrating the LOVE of Christ!
One of our favorite family traditions is what we call the 12 days of Christmas.  We have 12 felt ornaments representing the nativity story. Beginning December 14, we tell the nativity story each day and add one of the ornaments from the story to the Christmas tree, always saving baby Jesus for December 25th, of course.  And on Christmas morning, we begin our celebration by singing 
Happy Birthday to the newborn King!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Candy Corn Popcorn!


Candy Corn Popcorn Treat
6 cups popped popcorn
1/2 bag Fritos corn chips
1 bag white chocolate chips, melted
Add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the melted chocolate chips, 
then stir everything together until well coated.
Add candy corns last.
Yum, yum!

The Beauty of Fall

Thank You Lord, for the beauty Fall brings
And the brisk sunny days when birds still sing

May the leaves of red and gold falling to the ground
 Remind us that your Spirit is always around

Bright orange pumpkins in the pumpkin patch
 with kids bundled up makes a perfect match

Hot cider warms us from the inside out
Reminding us what life is all about

Father, help us live as children of light
Bringing you glory all day and all night

May harvest time remind us of those who need you
And show us Lord, what we can do

To share your love so others may see
That in Your hands is the best place to be

Protect us from evil, in Jesus’ name we pray
Give us courage and take our fears away

Thank you Lord, for the beauty Fall brings
And help us to honor You in everything


By Erin

October 8, 2011

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Cute little pumpkins!

Fall is here!  I learned how to make these cute little pumpkins a few years ago at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).  What a fun, easy craft to do with kids!

Materials:

Orange material (or other fall festive colors), cut into a 20x20 inch square
Toilet Paper, full roll
Plastic grocery bag, for a little extra fluff
Brown paper bag, for the stem
Raffia


 Simple wrap the toilet paper roll with a plastic grocery bag.  Tuck each corner of the orange material inside the middle of the TP.
 Fold up a piece of brown paper bag and tuck in the middle as a stem.  Tie some raffia in a bow around the stem and…Voila!  You have your very own cute little pumpkin!

Monday, September 5, 2011

Photo chore chart!

One of the many reasons I love digital cameras!  For my pre-reader, this chore chart works beautifully to help her accomplish her daily chores.

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Kid's Choice!

Just in time for back-to-school, I found this great idea for young kids to choose their own outfits!  Simply put outfits in gallon-size ziplocs, complete with matching socks and hair doodles if desired, and place them in kid's drawer, then let them select which outfit they wear each day!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Grandparent gift idea!


Here's a great gift idea for Grandparents. (Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthday or Christmas!)

I don’t know about you, but for me, my dad is always the hardest person to find a gift for.  So here’s an idea for an inexpensive gift that my dad LOVED… A memory jar! 

With my third child, I have finally gotten pretty good at writing down all the cute things she says.  So I typed up all these cute little sayings, printed them off, cut each one out and folded it up, then put it in a nice can (or you could use a jar, a decorative box or have them printed in a picture book through shutterfly.com).  When my dad opened the gift, it was so much fun to watch him laugh at each thing he read, and it will be a fun way for him to remember us when we haven’t seen each other in a while!  You could include childhood memories, sweet notes from various family members, family jokes and more. Here are a few things we included:

(Note:  For my mothering blog I’ve decided to use the names Hope, Faith and Joy for my girls, so "Joy" is my dad's youngest granddaughter.)

March 2009
Joy, age 2 1/2, climbed onto Mommy’s lap, placed her hands on each of Mom’s cheeks, looked into Mom’s eyes and said, “I’m not gonna do what I’m gonna do.”

April 2009
Joy, age 3, had a stuffed Pluto dog she slept with every night, so when we went to Disnleyland and saw Pluto, Joy hollered, “Pluto, it’s me!”

May 2009
We drove by a billboard with an advertisement for Alaska airlines and Joy said, “There’s a big airplane mom.” Mom responded that it was a picture of the airplane’s wing, then asked Bryn, “Can you flap your arms like a bird or plane?” At age 2 ½ Joy promptly corrected Mom with, “Planes don’t flap!”

February 2010
Erin told 3-year old Joy, “I sure do love you!” and Joy responded, “I’m sure I love you!”

September 2010
Mom and 4-yr old Joy went to Walmart and there was an older gentleman in line behind us.  He winked at Joy and she kept trying to wink back. He asked how old she was and after answering “4,” Joy turned to Mom and said, “Mom, his voice is running out.” 

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Happy Mother's Day!

Oh what a joy it is to get to be a MOM!  As Mother's Day approaches, I am incredibly grateful that God allowed me to be the mom of my 3 precious kids.  It's what I always wanted to do "when I grew up!"  What makes Mother's Day special to me is knowing my girls love and appreciate me, and that they honor me as their mom.  The flowers and chocolate are fun too, of course, but even more special are the homemade gifts and cards and hugs and love from my girls.  Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with my little darlings!

Friday, April 1, 2011

April 1st Fun!

Our family rule for April Fool's Day is: Fun is OK; Lying or Upsetting someone is not.  So, here's what we came up with for FUN today!  Tasty too!


Thursday, March 17, 2011

Erin go Bragh!


My kids and I love celebrating St. Patrick's Day!  To be honest, my hubby thinks I'm a bit over the top...but that's OK.  The story of St. Patrick inspires me. He's a Christian hero!
A few things we can learn from St. Patrick:
God cares for us and provides for us in whatever situations we find ourselves in.
God uses what was intended for evil to accomplish GOOD.
Prayer draws us closer to the Lord.
God can use our willingness to do what He asks of us
to accomplish great things.

As we celebrate Patrick this year by wearing green and eating green foods and dancing some Irish jigs, let's remember that GREEN symbolizes the eternal LIFE we have in Jesus Christ...Thank you Lord!  THAT is a reason to celebrate!!!

St. Patty's Sweet & Salty Popcorn treat
4-6 cups popped popcorn
1/2 bag Fritos corn chips
1 bag white chocolate chips, melted
Add a few drops of green food coloring to the melted chocolate chips, 
then stir everything together until well coated.
Add M&Ms last.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!






Thursday, February 24, 2011

For Moms & Girls!


FOR tween girls!

I fell in love with "The Body Book" when I read the phrase on the very first page: “You’re giggling one minute and crying the next.” THIS is a book my girl needs to read! It shares in 'tween-friendly' language what to expect with girl body changes, includes scripture and quizzes…and is funny! It helps girls know they are NORMAL and gives fantastic advice.


For MOMS: "Six Ways to Keep the Little in Your Girl"

My favorite book regarding daughters! I just finished this book and my oldest is 11. Ideally I would have read it when she was 7 or 8. GREAT advice for moms approaching the tween years. Did you know that our kids develop their own values based on what they see, hear and experience between the ages of 6 and 11? What a critical time frame for us to be intentional about teaching them about all kinds of topics because when they hit 12, their values are, for the most part, already established.


Tuesday, February 22, 2011

When and How to tell your Kids about…the Birds and the Bees



(For any of my reader friends under age 13, please get your parents’ permission before you read this!!)


The topic of purity has become a huge passion of mine over the past few years. I just got home from sharing at a mom’s group about how and when to talk to your kids about sex; here are my notes. I hope they will be helpful for you in dealing with this important topic!


5 year old Lizzy goes to find her dad in front of the TV and asks, “Daddy, what’s SEX?” Her dad stops, turns off the television and sits her down to explain all the details. When she remains silent with her eyes wide open, he says, “Lizzy, why do you ask?”

She responds, “Mommy said dinner will be ready in a few secs.”


My beliefs about sex are based on God’s Word:

ü Sex as God designed it is beautiful. (Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Matt 19:4-6 …the two will become one flesh…)

ü Sex any other way is evil in God’s eyes. *But there is hope: God can bring good out of what the enemy intended for evil. EVERY child is a gift, no matter how s/he got here, God is the one who forms each baby in the womb! (1 Corinthians 6: 9,11,18 …the sexually immoral will not inherit the kingdom of God…that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. AND Psalm 139: 13-14 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. )

ü God wants us to honor Him with our bodies and it’s up to us to learn how. (1 Thess 4:3-4 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable)


What is the world teaching our kids about sex?

· TV & Internet, bikini baristas - “Sex sells”

· Magazines at kids’ eye level in the checkout aisle teach "we need to be sexy"

We have to remember that, as adults, we have learned to look away…our 7 years olds, on the other hand, have not. They are soaking in everything they see, hear and read and trying to figure out what they think about those things. They are creating their own value system based on what they are learning: from parents, at church, at school, from neighbors, teams, etc. As parents, we need to share the truth with our kids so that they will recognize the lies.


3 answers to: “When should I tell my kids about sex?”

1. Before their bodies change.

2. Before they hear lies about sex somewhere else.

3. Before they are faced with temptation.

The tricky part is figuring out exactly when this is for our kids!


When my oldest daughter was in kindergarten I asked a teacher of 30 years if I wanted my daughter to learn about sex from me first, when should I tell her? Her response was, “Before you send her to kindergarten.” I was stunned! At 5 years old, I definitely thought my daughter was too young to know about sex! I began doing some studying and asking around about resources for sharing with our children. I discovered the God’s Design for Sex series, which is the primary resource I have used for teaching the basics of sex to my kids. I read book 2 titled “Before I was born” to my first two girls in the 1st grade, and I believe the timing was just right for both of them. It wasn’t long after when both of my daughters, at age 6, came home from school telling me that some boy on the playground or in class had said they wanted to have sex with a girl. My girls knew the truth about sex, so they understood that what they were hearing was inappropriate.




Based on the information I researched, between ages 5-9 is when we need to teach our kids what exactly sex is.

When we do share, we need to make it clear that:

· Sex is created by God for husband and wife.

· Parents are to be the primary source of information about sex (In 5th grade the public schools will also be teaching them. Kids should be encouraged to talk with parents about what they learn).

· The topic of sex is private and should not be talked about with friends before middle-school age (reinforce to your kids that their friends’ parents may not have told them about sex yet, and that it is a topic that should remain private within the family until they are older).

· We need to keep an ongoing dialogue with our kids and give them accurate information that is age-appropriate.


Teaching our kids up to age 4

Psalm 139: 14

I am wonderfully made.

Kids should know:

God made your body. Your body is a special gift from God.

God made boys and girls different and excellent.

Because boys and girls are different, we need to have privacy.

Your private areas are not for anyone else. (Doctor and parents can check for health only). If anyone touches your privates you need to tell mom or dad. You do not touch other people’s private parts because they are private.

You are exactly the way God wanted to make you.

Babies come from God.

God's best plan is for a baby to be born with a mom and dad that are married.

From ages 2-5 kids are developing a set of moral values by “copying” mom and dad. Great time for them to help “cook” and “clean” and “shave their face” with a spoon and whipped cream!


Teaching our kids between ages 5-8

Psalm 139: 14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Kids should know:

They are beautiful or handsome exactly the way God made them.

To practice modesty with siblings/ friends/ parents of opposite sex.

Their bodies are special and nobody should touch their private areas.

To respect others.

Basics of reproduction in the context of God’s Word.

Parents should:

Cultivate open communication

Use caution with media and ask questions to help kids see values.

Offer warnings about nudity.

Closely supervise play with others.

Reinforce appropriate names for body parts.

Encourage physical, emotional and spiritual health.


Teaching our kids between ages 6-11

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Kids should know:

What to expect with puberty

Basics of reproduction in the context of God’s Word

How to ask for privacy

To dress modestly

(Truth or bare test)

Understand that pictures of nudity are not OK

Use appropriate names rather than slang (we primarily say "private area" because it sounds a lot better if my daughter's "private area" is itching while we are in the grocery store!)

Parents should:

Help kids develop healthy view of self

Keep communication open

Answer questions

Be intentional about connecting with kids

Supervise media

Give healthy affection

Give reasons for rules

Use real life experiences to teach kids: ask why a tv character acts or dresses the way they do

From ages 6-11, kids develop moral values by asking/wondering why parents do what they do and believe what they believe and decide whether or not it makes sense to them.


Teaching our kids between ages 9-12

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Kids should know:

Thought control: replacing negative thoughts with truth

Fidelity to Christ

To dress modestly

Parents should:

Help kids process emotions

Share Bible stories on sex

Share age-appropriate life stories – focus on feelings and how you would do things differently

Educate re: abuse and how to respond

Do not allow movies with sex scenes

Monitor time with older friends.

Keep communication open with kids

From age 12+ kids are living out their moral values and are more influenced by peers


*Girls are often ahead of boys, and this must be considered when you talk to your child about love, sex and relationships.


What are the public schools teaching our kids?

In Washington state, the schools are required by law to teach human development and HIV/AIDS to students beginning in 4th grade. In order for parents to remove their students from classes during this curriculum, parents must preview the videos and sign a waiver. I previewed the 5th grade videos recently, and while I can understand pulling kids out, my personal opinion this year is that: I trust my daughter’s teacher. (Praise the Lord, she shares my faith!) I know that the kids at school will talk about it even after the curriculum is taught. I know that kids notice who is absent and do not want my daughter targeted for teasing. In our school district, 4th grade is when boys and girls are taught separately about puberty and the changes they can expect in their bodies over the next few years. In 5th grade, boys and girls are taught about both how puberty affects both boys and girls; they are taught what sexual intercourse is AND that it is for adults.


Purity Training: “Create in me a pure heart, O God” Psalm 51:10

§ As believers in Jesus Christ, we need to be proactive in training out kids what purity looks like. Purity according to God goes beyond abstaining from sex. It means putting Jesus first in every area of our lives.

§ We must teach our children to make a commitment to God to walk in obedience to His Word and honor the beauty of their sexuality.

§ We need to teach our kids to stand for what is right and to patiently follow God’s way when it’s difficult.

§ We need to teach our kids that, rather than “tolerating” parent’ rules, to make their own commitments to the Lord and to commit to wanting God’s best in their life.

§ God’s call for sexual purity includes ALL sexual activity. A good barometer: If you don’t want your mom or dad walking in on you, you shouldn’t be doing whatever you are doing. Or even better, only do whatever you would feel comfortable doing if Jesus were present…because He is!

§ We need to keep communication open with kids. Plan special mother-daughter time or father-son time to talk about purity issues & encourage purity code: “In honor of God, my family and my future spouse, I commit my life to sexual purity.”

§ We need to help kids set boundaries.

§ An interesting fact about the brain: In our early 20’s – the Pre-frontal cortex is fully developed and kids are capable of complete moral self-regulation.


For girls:

ü Teach them that we can dress beautifully, but modestly.

ü Emphasize that purity includes how they dress, behave, and talk.

ü Teach them to be cautious about influences from friends, television, music, etc. and to guard their hearts! I so appreciate what our last speaker said: “If you don’t guard your heart, it will lead you on unhealthy paths. Do everything you can to protect your heart. Guard your eyes, ears and emotions!”

ü Celebrate womanhood.

ü Dream with her about Ephesians 5 husband. (Ephesians 5:25-28 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.)


For boys:

ü As moms, talk with your boys about what respect looks like to a woman.

ü Teach them that man was created by God to be the protector, provider and spiritual leader of his home.

ü Build character traits that will grow them to be the man God intends for them to be.

ü Ted Roberts said, “The difference between a boy and a man is: a boy wants gratification NOW. A man is willing to delay gratification for a higher purpose.”


God’s Timeline:

God is all-knowing. He sees all of time. He knows who you will marry and when you will get married. He wants you to protect your heart because it is a priceless treasure for your future spouse. Guard your heart and trust in God’s perfect timing. The decisions you make now…will affect you in the future.

Guard your heart

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Honor God with your body

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God…

We have to face the fact that our kids will make mistakes:

Statistics according to the National Center for Health Statistics say that in 2006-2008, 43% of teens between ages 15-19 have had sex at least once.


When our kids make mistakes, we need to respond with grace, forgiveness and unconditional love. God is a God of 2nd chances. He tells us in 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Keep communication open with our kids & love them!


Sexual abuse is a sad reality:

1 out of 3 girls and 1 out of 6 boys are abused by age 19.

Help kids understand if they or a friend is abused:

1. It is not your fault; it is the fault of the abuser.

2. Seek help; do not suffer in silence. Tell a trusted adult: parent, teacher, pastor, school counselor, friend’s parent.

3. There is hope. God loves you and He can heal you!

4. Help kids understand that God cares. Jesus wept at the death of a friend even though he knew he would raise his friend back to life. He cares about you!


Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for the beautiful gift of motherhood. Thank you for the darling children you have blessed us with. Please give us your wisdom in how to teach them. I pray that our children will grow to treasure the beauty of purity. Help them to see that it is a gift from you for their protection. I pray that our kids will choose to live their lives in such a way that their future spouse will be honored by the choices our kids made early on in their lives. I pray for us moms, that you will heal us from any hurts in our pasts so that we can be good role models and mentors to our kids as they think about marriage and purity. Our children are in your hands, Lord, and I pray that you would help us to trust that there is no better place for them to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen


Resources

Ø The BIBLE by God J

Ø A Chicken’s Guide to Talking Turkey with your Kids about Sex by Dr. Kevin Leman

Ø Before I Was Born by Carolyn Nystrom from God’s Design for Sex series (Erin’s favorite for the initial teaching of kids about sex)

Ø Before You Meet Prince Charming (A Guide to Radiant Purity) By Sarah Mally (Written for young ladies who desired to be married someday)

Ø Biblical Blueprints for Sexual Integrity by The Legacy Institute (DVD series for parents)

Ø Finding Grace by Donna VanLiere ( A testimony about overcoming childhood sexual abuse.)

Ø For parents only: getting inside the head of your kid by Shaunti Feldhahn and Lisa Rice

Ø http://secretkeepergirl.com – website with great info for moms and daughters

Ø http://thejoyofmothering.blogspot.com (Erin’s blog on mothering)

Ø http://www.cbn.com/family/parenting/elliott_TechnicalVirgin.aspx

Ø http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/child/middlechildhood.htm (used for chart)

Ø http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/sexuality/talking_about_sex.aspx (used for chart)

Ø Interviewing your Daughter’s Date by Dennis Rainey

Ø Passport2Purity by Dennis and Barbara Rainey (CD kit for a mother-daughter or father-son getaway to connect on intimate issues)

Ø Pursuing the Pearl: The Quest for a Pure, Passionate Marriage by Dannah Gresh (If you have sexual sin in your past, this is a great resource to help in the healing process.)

Ø Raising Maidens of Virtue by Stacy McDonald

Ø Return to the Garden: Embracing God’s Design for Sexuality by Kay Arthur (Women’s Bible study- excellent in-depth look at what God has to say about sex!)

Ø Sexy Christians by Ted and Diane Roberts (couples study)

Ø Six Ways to Keep the Little in Your Girl by Dannah Gresh (Erin’s favorite for moms of 8-12 year old girls!) (used for chart)

Ø So You’re About to be a Teenager: Godly advice for Preteens on Friends, Love, Sex, Faith and Other Issues by Barbara and Dennis Rainey

Ø Teaching Your Children Healthy Sexuality by Jim Burns

Ø The Body Book by Nancy Rue (for tween girls)

Ø True Love Waits - http://www.lifeway.com/tlw

Ø Your Girl by Vicki Courtney (Bible study for moms of teens)

Monday, February 14, 2011

The BEST Chocolate-covered strawberries!

Delicioso! Simply melt a cup of chocolate chips (Ambrosia from Costco are the best!) and spoon over strawberries. Place in fridge for 30 minutes and ENJOY the deliciousness!!!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Super Sweet Valentine Treat!


Easy. Cute. Cheap. Cut brownies into small squares. Drizzle with easy homemade frosting (1 c. powdered sugar, 1 Tbsp milk and a drop of food coloring). Top with a hearth-shaped marshmallow. Use the frosting to glue a conversation heart on top, and voila! Super cute and super sweet kid-friendly valentine treat!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Shopping lists



My big sis gave me this idea. I typed out the main things I purchase at Costco and the grocery store for my own personalized shopping list. I keep one of these on the fridge so I can just put a checkmark next to items as I realize I need them. On weeks when I am well-organized, I will write my meal plan at the bottom of my list. Then I sit down once a week and plan out my shopping trips. I've been stopped in the store before so people could see my list. It's quite handy!

Yummy snack!

Thanks to my dear friend Kim for this great snack idea...


In a bowl with a tightly-sealed lid, combine a couple handfuls of pecans or almonds, craisins and chocolate chips for a delicious snack high in protein and antioxidants! I like to keep a baggie-full in my purse so I can grab a small handful when my energy is running low. :-)


Thursday, February 3, 2011

Our Family Values

Last year one of our MOPS speakers encouraged us moms to sit down with our families and talk about what our family values are. We did just that and came up with the following. We have these framed and hanging on our kitchen wall. Over the summer we went through one value each week...my 7-year old recently reminded me that we need to go through them again. ;-)

LOVE
Love God & Love one another
Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. John 15:12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

FAITH
Choose to trust God, Pray together & Read Bible
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

PEACE
Choose peace, not arguing or yelling
Psalm 29:11 The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Psalm 85:10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.

RESPECT
Be polite in words and tone of voice, take turns talking and listening, speak the truth in love
Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you

KINDNESS
Be helpful & kind, give hugs and compliments, be quick to forgive
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

OBEDIENCE
Obey the first time, every time, quickly, with a happy heart.
Ephesians 6:1, 4 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right… Fathers and mothers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

JOY
Choose joy and be thankful for all God’s blessings
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

A few of my favorite devotionals for kids

For preschoolers:
The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers
My 4 yr-old and I read this every night at bedtime. It is short and sweet!



For girls ages 6-8:
God's Little Princess Devotional Bible by Sheila Walsh
I encourage my 7-yr old to read this on her own to help her develop her own relationship with Jesus. There are several little plays throughout the devotional to make the Bible stories come alive. She and I have lots of fun doing the plays together!


For girls 8-12:
One Year Book of Devotions for Girls
(Now has a revised pink cover with shadows of people dancing)
My 11 yr-old has been doing this on her own for over a year, and the examples have really spoken to her. She loves it!

What are YOUR favorite devotionals for kids?

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Celebrating our sweethearts!

Our girls LOVE our family Valentine’s Day celebration. We have built a tradition of celebrating by making our girls an invitation for a candlelight dinner with mom and dad. We send it a week or two ahead of time to give them the fun of anticipation. Then we get a heart-shaped pizza from Papa Murphy’s along with sparkling cider, chocolate-covered strawberries and conversation hearts. We celebrate our sweethearts on February 14th, then plan a special date night for just the two of us on another night…after all, the date itself matters much more to the kids than it does to us!