Love Thy Neighbor

Every year we make an extra special point of letting our neighbors know just how much we appreciate them.  So tonight as a family we visited our neighbors bearing gifts and tydings of great joy!  We had so much fun as they came to the door and we rang out together "Merry Christmas".  To see their faces light up with surprise was priceless.  The kids were so excited and I think the message of it being more of a blessing to give then to receive was learned.

Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-32

Day 10: Graham Cracker Gingerbread House and Nativity

When I came across this little idea, I thought I would put a new twist on my traditional gingerbread house that we make from graham crackers and give this little project a try.  This one is sure to please everyone!  Aren't the sheep cute!  Click on the link below each picture to get the instructions.  FYI the store kits are fun to!

Graham Cracker Nativity

Graham Cracker Gingerbread House

Day 9: Origami Wreath

I have always loved origami.  I will never forget the year one of my parents made me a bouquet of paper origami flowers.  It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!  Today's craft is a beautiful Origami Wreath.
Since I am learning this art form myself, I am sending you all to Sandy's Space where she has a very detailed tutorial for you to follow.  She is really talented!   I was thinking..(uh oh)..wouldn't this pretty little wreath look nice in any paper that coordinates in your home.. leaning up against a picture frame, or on a bookshelf ?  Just decorating out loud !(Big SMILE)
Happy Crafting,
Sharmin

Origami Wreath

Day 8: Paper Flower Ornaments

This project is for those of you with school age kiddos.  I needed to do some new stuff with my older two so here's a project that I have up my sleeve to complete with them this week. Wouldn't these look pretty attached to a present?

Paper flower ornament

Please go to How About Orange for the tutorial to make these.  They look really complicated but they are super easy.  I was also thinking that even though you may have a preschooler they would probably enjoy making the pattern ones.  You can have them tell you which color comes next in the pattern.  Always finding a teachable moment!

Sharmin

Day 7: Baby Jesus in A Manger

Over the past 2 weeks we have been talking about the true meaning of Christmas.  In "Mommy Preschool" Lillian and I made this precious ornament.  It is really fun and easy to do. 

Supplies:

card board tube (toilet paper roll cut in half lengthwise)

white material or cotton (I used a piece of felt)

yarn or straw (hay)

wooden round ball or a piece of construction paper for face

glue

marker

How to make this project:

1. Glue paper towel rolls back to back to form manger.
2. Clamp with finger or clothespin to hold together until dry.
3. Cut yarn to length of manger and glue yarn inside of manger.
4. Fold piece of fabric to resemble a blanket and glue to manger. 
5. Draw face on wooden ball or paper and attach to fabric with.
6. Lay Baby Jesus in tree.

Day 6: Handprint Christmas Tree Keepsake

Handprint Tree

This adorable craft is one of my favorites to do with my kiddos.  Right now Hannah and Stephen's handprint wreaths grace the walls of our playroom.  This project makes a great keepsake and present  for grandparent's.  Head on over to Our Lil' Kingdom for a tutorial.

Day 5: Picture Tile Craft

Okay, if you are still trying to find the perfect gift to give to grandparents or family members, I think this one may be for you.  I love this craft because it is inexpensive, personal, and super cute!  I've had this one on my list to do for a while, and so today seemed like a good time to get it done.  Enjoy!



Supplies you will need:

• White tile (the one in the picture above is 4.5x 4.5).  You can use any size tile that you like.
• Picture or design that you want to use.  It should be cut slightly smaller than the tile.
• Modge Podge.  You can use glossy or matte. 

Directions:

• Print out and trim photos.  Photos work best when printed on photo paper. They won't smear when you use the Modge Podge.
• Paint a thin layer of modge podge on the tile and place the photo on top of the tile.  Let dry for about 5 minutes.  It should not be sticky when you touch it.
• Add another layer of modge podge to the top of the photo and let it dry completely.

Day 4: Paper clip angel

Today Hannah is guest posting her pick for today's craft.  Take it away Hannah...

This pretty angel necklace is great for a present . I hope you like it!

                                          "Hark the herald angels sing,Glory to the newborn King".

Materials:
Special Paperclips called small ideal clamps.
Sliver Pony Beads or any color pony bead you like
Silver Disk Beads (preferably with fluted or beaded edges)
Ribbon

Directions:

1. Take the ribbon and tie in a loop. Thread a disk and then a pony bead onto the ribbon and push up to the knot. Loop the ribbon through the clip and then through itself (see picture) slip both beads back down to sit flush with the clip.
2. Tie ribbon at top to make necklace.
3. Ta Da! You are done.

Day 3: Reindeer Ornament

Here is a super easy craft that everyone can do.  Let's gather some popsicle sticks and make reindeer!
I chose to paint my sticks brown, but you can leave them plain if you like.

Supplies

3 popsicle sticks for each reindeer
brown paint
googly eyes
2 red pom poms
ribbon
green felt or construction paper for holly

Directions

1. Paint sticks brown and let them dry (optional).
2. Begin the reindeer ornament by placing a drop of glue on one end of the craft stick and add another one on top of it, in a V-shape.  Then, glue one craft stick perpendicular to the V shape, about an inch from the ends. See photo below for help.

3. Glue on the eyes, nose, and holly.
4. Attach a piece of ribbon to the back to use as a hanger. You could also use this craft as a magnet just attach a magnet strip to the back.
5. Hang on tree and enjoy!

Day 2: Salt Dough Ornaments

Making salt dough ornaments is so easy; you may already have everything you need in your home!

Dough Ornament Recipe

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salt
1 1/2 cups warm water

Rolling pin

Cookie cutters

Toothpicks

Parchment paper

-Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
-Mix flour and salt well. Gradually add water, stirring with a large spoon. Finish mixing with hands. Knead until soft and pliable.
-Roll out on floured surface about 1/8 inch thick. Cut shapes with cookie cutters. Place on cookie sheets. With a toothpick make a hole in the top of the ornament for threading string. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) until hard, about 1 hour. Decorate with paint and varnish to preserve.

Day 1: Glass Ball Ornaments

Glass Ball Ornaments are so beautiful!   If you are afraid of your little ones breaking the glass, they now have plastic ones, that look like glass.  This is a very simple but elegant ornament and I think you will love the many things that you can do with these.  You can fill them with lightweight objects like:

• berries
• tinsel
• faux snow
• ribbon
• greenery
• paper
• candy
• I think a black & white picture would be classy!

Note: Just make sure your items are small enough to fit through the opening.

Supplies:

• Glass ball or plastic ornaments, size(s) of your choice
• Small funnel, optional or rolled up piece of paper
• Fillings
• Ornament hooks (I personally like to use ribbon)

Instructions

1. Take metal tops off ornaments and set aside.
2. Carefully fill ornaments. Use a funnel or rolled up piece of paper to help guide the filling through the neck of the ornament, if desired.
3. Replace the metal tops, then attach an ornament hook.

10 Days of Christmas Crafts

Hi All,

Today I am kicking off 10 Days of Christmas Crafts!  What does that mean you ask?  Well, for the next 10 weekdays, I will be posting a Christmas themed craft complete with a picture (always helpful), supply list, and directions.  I've chosen crafts that are suited  for children of all ages, that means adults to, so everyone can participate.  Many of these projects would be perfect for a family FUN evening.  So,  get you glue and glitter, and join me as I get my Christmas craft on!

If you think about it, snap a picture of you and your craft, then send it to me,  and I'll be sure to post it!

Thanks, 

Sharmin

Christmas Scripture Word Art Tree Printable

Christmas Scripture Word Art Tree

I absolutely love decorating my home for Christmas, and any other occasion for that matter!  Anyway, I really wanted some Christian Christmas art to add to my decor.   I was going to create my own then I thought lets go to the web for inspiration.  Well, low and behold I stumbled upon this blog A Simply Klassic Home, where Kristin created this word art scripture tree.  The best part is she's allowing you to print it for free!!  Yes and free means free here (y'all know free doesn't mean free without a catch anymore).  So go and find a 8x10 frame, card stock or you could use regular paper, and a good spot to hang this beautiful piece of artwork! 

Happy Decorating,

Sharmin

Counting Down to Christmas: Creating Anticipation

One of my favorite ways to create anticipation over this glorious season of Christmas is by using an advent calendar.     Over the years I have used several different calendars..  One of our favorites to use is the paper chain advent calendar. Not only is this calendar a good way to practice counting, but it is very simple and easy for young children to make and looks so festive hanging on the door or even the tree.  Paper chain advents have 25 numbered links with a scripture to read for each day.   You remove a link ever day as you count down to Christmas. Here are two versions that I think are both special.

Advent Chain













This advent chain  is a little different.  This one has the names of Christ on each chain link.  The names of Christ chain also has an additional link that provides you with questions to go along with the daily reading.

Names of Christ advent calendar

Have you ever thought of reusing an egg carton for an advent calendar?  Well, if you haven't let me tell you they make perfect calendars with exactly 24 slots!  So go grab two egg cartons out of the recycle bin and read on.

I used an Egg Carton advent calendar, with my children and I have to say that they really liked it.  There are several ways that you can use them so let me share with you a couple of ideas.

Idea 1 

 Number each egg slot from 1-24.  For 24 days there is a special item that represents a scripture verse.    To keep the peace, each night we take turns to see what is inside the numbered carton slot.  My children enjoyed trying to guess which Bible story was represented by the item. Then we read the Bible scripture that goes with the item and discuss what we read.  I am amazed at the excitement over this advent calendar, even though we have done this for the past three years.

Advent Countdown

 

LIST OF GIFTS: (LISTED IN THE ORDER THEY ARE USED)

 December 1 - A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it. Read: Mark 12:41-44

1. Quarter

2. Grape gum or candy

3. Smiley Face sticker

4. Fish picture

5. Birthday candle
6. Bell
7. Fish crackers
8. Cotton balls
9. Piece of a map
10. Soap
11. Heart sticker
12. Cross
13. Packet of salt
14. Sand
15. Flowers(silk)
16. Raisins
17. Seeds
18. Christmas carol
19. Small rock
20. Crumpled foil
21. Mustard seed
22. Dove
23. Small scrap of woolly material
24. Blue marble
25. Picture of a baby.

December 2 - Grape Gum! Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to perform His first miracle. Read: John 2:1-10
December 3 - Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy. Read: Matthew 5:1-12.
December 4 - Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait till you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read: Luke 5:4-7
December 5 - A birthday candle? As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Light! Read: Matthew 5:14-16
December 6 - You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man--until he met Jesus. Read: Mark 7:31-37
December 7 - These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply! Read: Matthew 14:13-21
December 8 - These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunder storm, wouldn't they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle the loud noises that thunder makes. But we know someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather. Read: Matthew 8:23-27
December 9 - People needing to use the other parts of this map are in trouble! Don't you get lost today! Read: John 14:1-6
December 10 - It's soap. Do you like to wash? Behind your ears? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus. Read: John 9:1-7
December 11 - Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke some commands about love. Read: Matthew 25:17-41
December 12 - We use the cross as a symbol, representing Jesus. Do you know why? Read: Philippines 2:1-11
December 13 - Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice. Read: Matthew 5:14 and Colossians 4:6. (Notice that He doesn't recommend pepper!).
December 14 - Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. See His instructions: Matthew 7:24-29.
December 15 - Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson. Read: Matthew 6:28-34.
December 16 - Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of candy for a snack. That's because they are a health-promoting and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit. Read: John 15:1-5.
December 17 - Jesus told a story about seeds that man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deep meaning. Read: Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.
December 18 -Christmas is just about a week away. And here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly! Read: Psalms 100.
December 19 - A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do know how He handled it? Read: Matthew 4:1-4.
December 20 - Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12.
December 21 - The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus said. Read: Matthew 17:20.
December 22 - We've learned that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for? Read: Matthew 3:13-17.
December 23 - The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called Himself the good shepherd. Do you know who His sheep are? Read: John 10:7-18.
December 24 - A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world? Read: John 3:16.
December 25 - Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. Read: Luke 2:1-20. Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus--and love Him forever! 




Idea 2

This egg carton advent  is simply filled with fun activities to do in the days leading up to Christmas.  The ideas are written on slips of paper, folded, and then attached to each slot of the carton.  Some of the activities include decorating the tree, singing Christmas carols, baking cookies, etc;

R.A.C.K. Advent Calendar

This idea is by far my favorite one.  {RACK} Random Acts Of Christmas Kindness, what a great way to teach your children to give, serve,and help others through small acts of kindness.  I am definately inspired to make and do this advent this year!

I know that there are many advent calendars out there and you may have your own favorite.  I think these are all great ways to create anticipation!  Do you have an advent calendar idea or a way that you create anticipation with your family in the days leading up to Christmas?  I would love for you to share. 

Isn't Counting Down Half the Fun!


The Crafty Crow

Creative Advent Calendars via Flickr

Focus on the Family



Making Christmas Meaningful

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas here in our home.  The tubs of decorations have come down from the attic and my dining room looks like it exploded with greenery and bulbs!  "Lillybug" is running around saying everything is beautiful and making up words to Christmas songs that she personally wrote. (LOL).  It's funny how at about age three kids really get excited about Christmas.  Sadly, we know that it isn't because their first thought is remembering that Christmas is about Jesus Christ, it's about knowing that presents are coming.  

While I LOVE all of the decorating (I'll hang lights from anything), baking, and gift buying that is part of Christmas, I also know that it is my responsibility to carefully guide my children through this holiday season.  I love to plan fun ways to create anticipation over the true meaning of Christmas..Christ and that He was the greatest gift ever given. 

Many of the ideas that I plan to share this month are ones that I have used in the past with my children and have become traditions in our home!  I hope that you will enjoy them as much as we have.  Also, I will share new ideas and links to other sites as well. 
So let's get started...
Sharmin

Thanksgiving Fun For Kids

Every year I try to have some fun activities for us to do throughout the day on Thanksgiving.  With four children the day can get a little long with nothing to do.   I was looking around the blogosphere and found these really cute and quick ideas that perhaps you may enjoy with your family. 

These Pilgrim Hat cookies are super quick and easy.  The recipe can be found here.  I made these for my daughters Brownie Troop. Yum!



Oreo Cookie Turkeys



I love using my children's handprints anytime I can.  Here are few Thanksgiving handprint ideas to inspire you!  

Handprint Pumpkin Pie 



Playdough Turkey Recipe



Handprint Turkey



 



I always like to emphasize with my children the real meaning of holidays and why we celebrate them.  Reading a book about Thanksgiving is always a good idea.  I personally enjoy listening to my children's hearts and hearing what they are truly Thankful for.  It is always a blessing to be reminded of how blessed I truly am. 



Thanksgiving Tree

Happy Thanksgiving,

Sharmin



My First Post

Hello Friends!
If you're reading this, then you know that I have finally taken the big leap and published my blog! For  several months, I have kept notes and pictures of  projects athat I've created all with the idea of one day starting a blog, but honestly I was just to scared intimidated by all of those fancy blogs out there and thought who would care about what I had to say. Well, I realized after being a guest speaker, for a group of wonderful moms at MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) that hey, these ladies really think my ideas are pretty good! So here I am, staying in my lane of life by sharing with you my interest and talents that God has given to me. I hope that through this blog you are inspired and encouraged.

Thanks,
Sharmin