Quality Christmas Toys for Children

It is uncanny to me that Christmas is right around the corner. In my family, we try to select one or two quality gifts for each child, rather than purchasing a variety of cheaper gifts. Family members so graciously provide most of the clothing that my children need, so we try to let the children pick out something special that they would enjoy.
My son is an absolute fan of train sets. At the local county fair, he was simply mesmerized when he saw a larger than life train set. While we don't have room for a large train set, I would love to give him a quality wooden set such as this one. (We absolutely love the quality of Melissa and Doug toys.)
I would love to get a beautiful dollhouse for my daughters to share, such as this one. I can only imagine the precious memories that my daughters would create, decorating and playing with a dollhouse.
I like Kidkraft toys for their quality and decent price.
Are you shopping early for your children? If so, where do you enjoy shopping at, and what are you hoping to get for your children? Blessings!

Chocolate for Bloggers!

Blogging definitely has it's perks. This afternoon, I was enjoying reading to my little ones, when there was a loud knock on the door. I was very happily surprised to see this delightful package, addressed to me, full of.......Chocolate. Yes, folks, it was a very delightful day! The chocolates were packed with an ice pack, to ensure that they were not melted.

Chocolate.com graciously sent me a box chocked full of a variety of gourmet chocolates. They are gracious enough to send samples to bloggers who are willing to write a review of their product. To sign up to sample and blog about their chocolates, visit here.

My husband, children, and I have so enjoyed all of these chocolates. My husband adores the richness of the Cocoa D'Arriba Blackberry with Cocoa Nibs, while I prefer the creamy milk chocolate bars.
There were many helpers in my household, who were more than willing to assist me in the sampling process.
I highly recommend Chocolate.com if you would like to send the scrumptious gift of gourmet chocolate to a friend or relative. It is certain to brighten anyone's day!

Book Review: Handmade Home

So often, I feel a desire to create something lovely for my family and my home, yet I feel like I need a resource to help inspire me towards creativity. Handmade Home is a virtual treasure trove of 30 sewing projects, for finding ways to repurpose old materials into family treasures. Even though I am a novice at sewing, Handmade Home is not too intimidating for me. A sample of the projects are:
One Word Banner- Create a banner to be reused and cherished at parties or in bedroom decor.
Adelaide's Pillowcase Dress- Learn how to make a darling dress out of an unused pillowcase.
Rag Bag- Make a bag to hold rags, to reduce the amount of paper towels, you use.
Mama's Bag- Use vintage curtains or other scraps to make a beautiful bag, to carry your treasured items.
It is so refreshing to learn a variety of ways to create a family keepsake or heirloom, out of materials that would otherwise be thrown away. Handmade Home is a true inspiration for making your home have a homespun touch.

17 Weeks

I am feeling great, jut a little tired. I cannot believe that I am almost halfway there! I have started feeling faint baby movements, this week, which is always so exciting! Blessings!

Learning Hospitality

One of my favorite booths at the local fair was the table settings. There are few things lovelier, in my opinion, than seeing a nicely dressed table. I have so much to learn in this regard, which is probably why I so enjoy admiring the creativity of others. It gives me hopes that one day, I can show such taste and beauty when I open my home in hospitality.

This place setting, in honor of Beatrix Potter, was so lovely. It looked like the perfect spot to enjoy English tea and cookies.
This place setting gave a beautiful, last taste of summer, as the season draws to a close. I loved the sample menu which highlighted seafood.
This table setting, which was prepared for Thanksgiving, was my absolute favorite. The tableware, the menu, and the tribute to ancestors, were such a lovely touch.

The more years that I am a homemaker, the more opportunities I see, for flourishing in the home. There are so many skills that I would love to develop in my lifetime. The home is such a hub of industry and purpose, if only those within are guided with a Divine purpose. What a blessing that He is leading many women home, to see the blessings therein!

"So we are, on a finite level, people who can create. Why does man have creativity? Why can man think of many things in his mind, and choose, and then bring forth something that other people can taste, smell, hear, and see? Because man was created in the image of a Creator. Man was created that he might create. It is not a waste of man's time to be creative. It is not a waste to pursue artistic or scientific pursuits in creativity, because this is what man was made to be able to do. He was made in the image of a Creator, and given the capacity to create- on a finite level of course, needing to use the materials already created- but he is still the creature of a Creator." -Edith Schaffer The Hidden Art of Homemaking

Week 2: China Studies

We had a blast, last week, in our studies about China. We enjoyed reading terrific books, such as The Story of Ping and missionary stories about missionaries to China, Hudson Taylor and Gladys Alyward. We made Chinese lanterns and enjoyed Egg Drop Soup, complete with chopsticks. (My children were more patient in that regard than I was. I like using the good old utensils that I am used to.)

The following are some resources I recommend for studying China:
(these are extras, which are not included in the Galloping the Globe book)

The Story of Ping lapbook

Ms. Frizzle's Imperial China- this delightful book tells the story of many things which originated in China, such as tea, kites, and silk.

This yummy egg roll recipe.

Enjoy a tea together, in celebration of tea's Chinese origins.

We are having so much fun! It is such a blessing to find resources that help make homeschooling enjoyable for everyone!

Great Deal on the Old Schoolhouse Magazine

I had posted, a couple of weeks ago about an amazing promotional done by the Old Schoolhouse Magazine. Since they only were giving a limited number of these subscriptions away, they sold old swiftly. The magazine's publishers have decided to graciously discount the annual subscription rate , once again, to only $7.95, for new or current subscribers. This sale will be available to all until 3 am, ET, on Sept 23. To get in on this great deal, visit here and add the 1 year subscription to the cart. The coupon code is FB795. Please be careful to put the correct product in your cart, which is "NEW 1 Year TOS Magazine Subscription", which is normally $25.I hope you are able to get in on this fantastic deal! Blessings!

Pregnancy: 16 Weeks Update

Anastasia at the fair holding an unborn baby, which is just a little larger than the size of my baby, right now.

A model of a 16 week , unborn baby

This week, I had a wonderful pre-natal appointment with my midwife and doula. My midwife is kind enough to meet with us after my husband is able to get off of work, and that works out so much better for my family and I. I am thrilled that my doula from Anastasia's birth will be able to attend this birth, as well. She is only going to be in the area till the end of next March. I am so thankful that God orchestrated this birth so that she could be present; He is so amazing! We heard baby's heartbeat for the first time, which is always so delightful to hear. My midwife confirmed my EDD by palpating my abdomen. I always find it so amazing what midwives can discern just by using their hands! I appreciate your continued prayers for a healthy pregnancy and a blessed birth. Many blessings!

Excellent Target Deals for Sept 13-19

Target is having some exceptional deals this week, especially on select Kashi items. Target price matches, so bring your Walgreens ad, which has Kashi cereals on sale for $2.50 each. Money Saving Mom website gives the links for the printable Kashi coupons of $1.50 off a box. Print out 5 coupons, and get 5 Kashi items for $5, plus receive a $5 Target gift card. For more information about how to get this great deal, check out Money Saving Mom's Website. Let me know if this deal works out for you.

Our Homeschool Studies

This past week, we started incorporating Galloping the Globe lesson plans into our homeschooling. We have been having a blast learning about basic geography, and are looking forward to studying about China, nest week. It will be so much fun to make Chinese crafts, learn about the Great Wall, and make a Chinese meal, all while learning from a biblical perspective.
Galloping the Globe is an amazing, one-year unit study guide, which covers geography, history, literature, and science for children in grades K-5.It is an invaluable resource for encouraging children to learn about other cultures, and helps them to have missions-minded hearts. Whether we are reading books together on the couch or drawing a map of the neighborhood, these studies are a lot of fun.
These are a few of the geography, history, science, and literature resources that we used this week.
The bottom shelf of our bookshelf in the dining room contains our craft materials. This makes it really easy for the little ones to craft at the table. Homeschooling can be so much fun!

Fun at the Fair

Last Friday night, we attended a local fair. The entry fee included all the rides, and we had a blast watching the children having fun. I waddled strolled around with the rest of the family, mainly looking for a bench to sit down.

The children had such a great time, and were even able to milk a cow for the first time.

The Old Schoolhouse Special

I adore the Old Schoolhouse magazine. Every issue is jam-packed with inspiration for homeschooling mothers on topics from homeschooling and entrepreneurship to styles of education. The regular rate is a very fair price for the quality of the magazine. I usually leaf through a copy at my local book shop, but wish I could take this excellent resource home. Currently, the Old Schoolhouse magazine is having such a terrific Labor Day Special. The first 3,000 customers to renew or to subscribe will receive a year's subscription (US only) for only $7.95! They priced it at this terrific rate so that anyone can afford it, and perhaps you can even afford to bless another homeschooling family or someone thinking about homeschooling. I am looking forward to perusing The Old Schoolhouse magazine from the comfort of my home. Please check out The Old Schoolhouse website for all of the details.

Resources for Little Ones and Training for Church

Hi Christine,

My name is J. and I've been reading your blog for a couple years now. I rarely comment, but do want to thank you for all that share. Your love for the Lord is evident, particularly in your desire to love your husband and children. This is exactly why I thought I'd email you with the following question: How do you seek to teach your babies/young toddlers about God?

My husband and I have one daughter, E. (13mo). We pray with her, read Bible story books to her, will soon be making a Daddy/Mama tape (have you heard of this?). As I go throughout the day, I share with her that God made everything she sees (trees, sky, food, etc.). The books I've come across, though, seem a little too detailed. We've trained her to sit and listen to them, but I'm wondering if there is something more appropriate for her age. Most resources seem to be for 2y/o and up. Right now, we mostly read the following to her: The Big Picture Story Bible I'm so eager to teach her and train her up in the fear of the Lord. Perhaps I'm looking for too many "tools", but if there are solid, Bible based one's out there, I'd love to know about them!

Also, any tips on teaching your children to sit with you during church service? We're trying, but are the only family we know of in our church that even has this desire, so it can be hard....

Thanks in advance for any recommendations you have!

In Christ,

J.


Dear J.,
It fills my heart with joy to hear of the godly vision that you have for your daughter. It wasn't until I had my second child, that I realized God's plan for diligently raising one's children in His Ways. It sounds like you are doing an excellent job teaching your daughter, both through reading excellent books, and teaching her as you go about your day. You and your husband are already following Deuteronomy 6, with a precious one-year old! What a blessing!
It can be challenging to find resources for one-year old's to learn about God. I think that your daughter will benefit, even if she is listening to books which are slightly advanced for her. We really love the Big Picture Story Bible, which you mentioned. My two-year old loves looking at the pictures, and the story truly is captivating, even to those with short attention spans. There is a set of books, God Never Changes, God Has Power, God is Everywhere, God is Kind, which are short, board books, and do a tremendous job explaining theological truths to little ones. My favorite character learning resource, as of late, has been Teach them to your Children. You daughter may not be ready for this until a year of two, but I highly recommend it! Each letter of the alphabet is featured, as well as a poem, a verse, and a story depicting biblical concepts. This can even be used as a tool for basic phonics instruction. During crafting time, my children enjoy listening to Patch the Pirate's cds. One cd is called Harmony at Home, and it contains 20+ songs about obedience, responsibility, giving thanks, and kindness. (The website contains a few samples of each cd, if you would like a better idea.) Another resource that we have enjoyed is The Children's Bible by Catherine Vos. Your daughter may be ready for it at about 3 or 4 years.
My husband and I really enjoy the Alice in Bibleland series for teaching our children Bible stories. These can be a challenge to find sometimes, but Ebay generally carries them. These have made the Bible stories come alive for my children. Lily (6 years) and Stephen (4 years) enjoy selecting a book to act out. It is such a blessing to see them enjoy imitating their favorite Bible characters!
How wonderful that you and your husband have a conviction to keep your daughter with you, in the church service! When I was expecting my first baby, a friend showed me the bible verses about nurslings being in the congregation. I also had strong convictions about the child being entrusted to the parents, and we felt called to be the primary teachers. At the time, we attended a traditional Baptist church. After my daughter was born, we kept her with us in church, for the first few weeks/months, as she was napping, frequently. It didn't take long until she was having a difficult time sitting still in church. We were the only parents who didn't want to just drop our children off in the nursery, so I often just stayed in the nursery with Lily. Because we were in there so frequently, my husband and I were assigned nursery duty. Instead of being able to focus on just our child, we were having to keep track of a roomful of children. We tried our best to listen to the sermon, via the loudspeaker, but it was a struggle. We tried on occasion, to take her into church with us, but if she made even the slightest noise, I began to feel extremely uncomfortable. When I was expecting my second child, and Lily was nearly 2 years, we felt led to join a family integrated church, near our house. It was such a blessing to know like-minded families who felt called to have their children worship with them. I find 1-2 year old's to be the most challenging to train to sit still for church time. I almost always have at least one child who is going through training to sit still for church. It definitely is possible and your efforts will be rewarded! Sometimes putting your young child in a baby carrier such as an Ergo, can really be beneficial. That way, you can stand in the back of the church, and get the child used to being calm and still. I also try to make sure that my children's needs are met before going to church. Any hungry, thirsty, or sleepy child is going to have difficulty sitting through a church service. I do generally bring water and a snack like raisins, for my children, as well as something to occupy their little hands.For more ideas on what to bring, please see my post on Church Bags. Having said that, it can be a struggle at times, to get any/all of your children to behave during church. It is a blessing to attend a church where no one scowls at you if your child makes a noise. I am certain that every parent who shares this conviction will tell you that it can be challenging, but it is a great blessing as well. One tip that I would share is that if your child has to be removed from the church building, not to make a reward of leaving church. (For example, if a child was screaming in church, it might not be a good idea to take him/her out to play on the playground.) Some mothers blanket train their children at home, and then use this same method at church. Your family devotion time is an excellent time for training little ones to sit still. Starting with a short amount of time, such as 5 minutes, can be extremely effective. Please know that I share all of this very humbly, as I face many challenges in this area with my own children, and I am still learning a lot.
May God bless you, J., as you journey this wonderful path of motherhood. Many Blessings!