The Great Animal Tree

Today was record breaking cold with temperatures as low as -17. Oooooo, brrrrrrrrr, that is cold!! We hadn't yet done our animal tree because of all being sick the past but, but it is a tradition I have to keep. Usually we have family or friends do it with us but this year it's been so hard to pin someone down and we've been sickies lies to. So today I got out all the gear and said "we are doing this, sick or not, and we'll have fun!" And it was fun!!

Jane had a blast throwing seeds all about the kitchen and watching daddy make funny faces (doesn't she look amazed ;), she actually laughed quite a bit with her daddio!). She loved the feel of all those bird seeds. And it was so much fun to have her help this year. We read "The Night Tree", which is the book that inspired the animal tree. And it really is such a great tradition that I look forward to every December.

We dipped pinecone into peanut butter and rolled them in seeds, cut out bread and toasted it and put candied nuts on them as ornaments. Usually we'll make a popcorn chain with cranberries to, but that was not a good idea for this year. We had fun with what we did and decided to not go overboard with our littles.

It was so cold outside and the snow was just sparkling in the sunshine. Right now Idaho feels like Narnia. It's so snowy and magical feeling. Hanging the little ornaments and throwing seeds and such onto the ground got us excited to see the first animals that might show up. And guess what the first one was....a squirrel of course! Jane had so much watching him through our back window. THAT is why I have to keep this tradition the magic in a child's face as they make, hang and watch the animal tree get eaten makes it all worth it. Happy winter and new year little animals and birds!

Here's her magical face below, so sweet!

Heavenward New Years!

I love love love these great men and prophets of our age. Both are individuals I greatly admire and look up to. As we move into a new year I ponder what and who I want to become more of this year and goals I would like to strive to accomplish. There are many! Being a more patient and happy mommy, having more dates and time with my Mister, getting my blog more views and an Etsy shop made, having my home feel more organized and peaceful, exercise and eating goals....the list goes on and I really feel strongly about all of them. But one of the biggest and most important, I feel, is to have less complaining and more joy.

I love these two quotes about positivity and looking upward to heaven. Life is truly meant to be filled to the brim with joy and it can be! There is always something we can complain about, cause hey, life's hard. However there is so much more to rejoice about and you know what, it makes life SO much happier when you have a positive and grateful attitude. You can serve others more faithfully, you are healthier in body and mind, there are so many benefits to this lifestyle. I pray that this year even though I'm still working really hard at becoming a better me, getting my home in order, exhausted with youngins, feel far from family, and sometimes have those low moments that I will rise and shine and see the good in all things! That is my desire and a deep motto within my life already and this year I hope to make it dominate this girls attitude!! Here's to a positive and grateful year full of service, love, joy and seeing all things with a heavenly perspective!

Time changes everything!

The clock is ticking and this little man is growing by the second. Not quick enough for his daddy and me though. William has truly been such a beautiful and wonderful baby but his sleep habits and crying are enough to make us go crazy!!!!! In fact we have gone crazy many a night. Sleep deprivation is one of the worst plagues of early parenthood and it has been ruling our household for 5 long months. I know everyone will say, "oh but it will be gone so soon" "enjoy those early years" "treasure that time" and all sorts of other well meant phrases...but time could not go faster! When you have not had a straight night of sleep in 5 months you are ready for your sweet little angel baby to grow up a bit. I know every phase of his life (and all our children) will have its challenges, but this early stage is one of the most time consuming, draining and absolute hardest things I've ever done in my life!

Besides the fact that William is the most exhausting creature on the planet right now here are some things I absolutely love about this boy of mine:

- his smile is always ready and it is perfect! Really perfect! It melts my heart!

- he loves to blow his lips together tons

- looking in his new mirror toy is a favorite place to chat away with his new friend ;)

- he's mastered rolling

- loves loves to kick his legs

- has the most adorable and handsome eyes

- can talk super loud and for quite some time

- loves watching his mobile and sister

- follows his daddy everywhere with his eyes

- can be stiff as a board and is super duper strong

- sits up in his bumbo seat

- loves to snuggle (love this most of the time, except for when it's every two hours at night, like right now)

- is an excellent eater

- loves to chat and look back and forth between mom and dad at night

- takes nursing, a binki and and bottle (thankfully)

- has the cutest little voice that loves to make noise

- enjoys grabbing all sorts of things and chewing on even more!

William is an amazing little boy and I can't wait to see what is in store for him in his life! His nursery theme is "Be brave little one" and I think he truly is. He is my little brave boy. I love you to the moon and back William and hope you will know that all your life. You are a treasure!

Above is one of the precious moments parents like us adore...a sleeping baby!

Be AWESOME

Homemade goods make the abode smell delightful! Unless you leave your rubber sided oven pad on the burner, whoops. But truly, making food is one of my favorite hobbies and something I sincerely love doing. It seems like when you've got 2 under 2 you just don't get to it very often. Lately I have felt like a horrid mama and wife in this realm because we haven't seemed to have really great meals put on the table from this mama who's been dealing with some sort of sickness, ouchie, sleep deprivation, caring for other sickies, and just trying to juggle two very small children for about 5 months straight. I know I am not alone in this great feet. Many friends and family are in that similar position where life is pretty overwhelming and tiring. It's so special having small children but it is a time in your life you tend to feel like your life, and you, will never be normal again. Ya hear me on that one mamas? Well, we will be "normal" again and sleep, that heavenly thing that happens when you hit the pillow for more than just 3 hours straight, will come again.

I'm not yet in that delicious stage, but I am savoring the now when I feel triumphant after making a simple dish. Today after a night of maybe a total of 3 1/2 hours spread out through the night I made homemade macaroni and banana bread. Smelling them cook away was like a gold medal to my nose. Small successes make motherhood doable. This was my little trophy today. When and if you are in these times of your life just take a minute to applaud yourself for your little triumphs throughout your days. It may not be something cooked, but it may be a mountain of laundry tackled, just getting up out of bed, putting on clothes, doing those horrid dishes, or being patient with your kids. Pat yourself on your back, you're doing AWESOME! And no that is not my awesome, stylish and beautiful bathroom above (I wish!!), but I am going to make myself a poster like that! "Don't forget to be AWESOME" cause hey you are!!!!

Christmas 2015

Merry Christmas Day!!! Oh how fun it is to open gifts with those you love. We had a blast watching Jane open presents and William was intrigued by all the wrapping paper. It was a beautiful and special day all day long. Our kiddos are battling the croup and us parents are battling the sickies you get when you have no sleep so we are all exhausted but that didn't ruin the excitement of the day.

We made a delicious Christmas Eve tradition meal of Cornish Game Hen, and then a full spread breakfast. I love the meals at Christmastime. And I love eating them next to my favorite man, James. Ever since we dated James likes to sit right next to me when we eat. Even at a restaurant, he'll slide into the booth by me, even if the waiter put his menu on the opposite side. I love that. I love him.

I had the kids help me make a little art piece for their daddy with their hands. It was quite the feet. Because William loves to fist his fingers tight, really tight, so I was prying them open with dripping paint to get his on there. It turned out pretty special. Little William was so sweet watching his sister open things and smiling away. He also really enjoyed crinkling and trying to eat wrapping paper.  He is growing so quickly and is becoming the cutest little man ever.

James got me 3 huge gifts the weeks prior to Christmas: a huge rug, a nice chair for sitting up with William, and a new washer and dryer. These are all things I've been dreaming of for about 2 years...we are loving all of them! Then he surprised me with a 4th on Christmas: Chaco sandals! I'm pretty excited to use them ALL summer next year! He was so thoughtful to get things I really need and things I've really wanted. His big present has been collecting all the works for making his own bullets. Now all he needs is the gun and pistol to use his bullets. He's very very excited to get into metal work. I also got him a robe, slippers, new pjs, some favorite foods, and made an FHE chart for our family. It was really fun to gift give to my man.

The kiddos got lots of fun little items; toy cars, musical instruments, a car street rug (scored that for $3!), toys, books, a highchair and cradle for baby doll, a tutu, bath toys and a play matte both from their Grandpa Reid, and a new binki clip for William. I was pretty excited that I spent less then $25 on both kids. Thanks to dollar bins at target, sweet neighbor grandmas getting rid of old toys, and mommy swap sales. Super fun!

Christmas really isn't about gifts, but they are a fun tradition and can be a special way to show love to one another. We enjoyed gift giving during this season and remembering the greatest gift of all; Christ!

12 Days, Twelve: CHRIST

1. 
   
   
   I believe in Christ! What a beautiful season we've had celebrating his life. I am so thankful for the blessings of His gospel and knowing what His life means for me. I may attain my "fondest dreams" because of Him. The beautiful words in this hymn share many of my own. My testimony grows each and every year and my gratitude for Him deepens every day. We are eternally blessed because the Savior Lives!!!!
   
   
   "I believe in Christ; he is my King!
   With all my heart to him I'll sing;
   I'll raise my voice in praise and joy,
   In grand amens my tongue employ.
   I believe in Christ; he is God's Son.
   On earth to dwell his soul did come.
   He healed the sick; the dead he raised.
   Good works were his; his name be praised.
2. I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!
   As Mary's Son he came to reign
   'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,
   To save them from the woes of sin.
   I believe in Christ, who marked the path,
   Who did gain all his Father hath,
   Who said to men: "Come, follow me,
   That ye, my friends, with God may be."
3. I believe in Christ--my Lord, my God!
   My feet he plants on gospel sod.
   I'll worship him with all my might;
   He is the source of truth and light.
   I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
   From Satan's grasp he sets me free,
   And I shall live with joy and love
   In his eternal courts above.
4. I believe in Christ; he stands supreme!
   From him I'll gain my fondest dream;
   And while I strive through grief and pain,
   His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."
   I believe in Christ; so come what may,
   With him I'll stand in that great day
   When on this earth he comes again
   To rule among the sons of men."
   
   
   
   
   
   Amen.

12 Days, Eleven: White as Snow!

I love the snow! Our little family all loves the snow. So needless to say having tons of it is heaven for us. My coffee filter snowflakes line our windows (see 12 Days earlier post, Day Two) and then a blanket of white covers the outside. This morning as I sat up with my sick Sir William I watched the snowglobe world outside. Snow softly fell from the sky and it was beautiful. Snow is such a peaceful thing to watch, especially when you're cuddling a sweet warm bundle.

We just had to take Jane out in it. So we bundled everyone up, got our red sled and headed to a great hill. It was so much fun!!!!!!!! I forgot how much fun it is to fly down a hill in the snow. Jane had a blast, and we got some good exercise holding her while climbing the hill. Snow is such a iconic image of Christmas. The songs, paintings, movies and decorations all make you dream of a white Christmas. We feel pretty lucky to live in Idaho where that is usually always the case! It really is so special to have a white Christmas, I love it. 

White snow makes the earth look so peaceful and clean. It is a perfect reminder of the atonement and the joy of repentance. Jesus Christ was born into this world to fulfill His divine mission to perform the everlasting atonement for mankind. When I think of His plea to the Father, "Let this cup pass from me" it breaks my heart to know that He had to suffer such anguish and grief. And yet triumph followed with the ressurected Lord, bringing hope to all mankind. Each of our lives are full of many mistakes but all can be made right again through repentance. As the scriptures say "though your sins be as scarlet they can become white as snow." How grateful I am that Jesus Christ had the courage, strength and love to perform His great call. The world is blanketed in His love, and what a better reminder for snow to come at his birth and blanket the earth. Let it Snow!!

12 Days, Ten: I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause!

There is one little Christmas tradition of old that I think is so sweet, that of the Mistletoe! My mom had a beautiful red berry ball that she hang as our "kissing ball" and I loved it. One year there was a door salesman that was selling the real thing!! Did you know mistletoe isn't all that pretty? It isn't. Or at least the stuff they were selling wasn't :). History says the serving class of Victorian England is credited with first recording the tradition of kissing underneath the mistletoe. The tradition dictated that a man was allowed to kiss any woman standing underneath mistletoe, and that bad luck would befall any woman who refused the kiss. One variation on the tradition stated that with each kiss a berry was to be plucked from the mistletoe, and the kissing must stop after all the berries had been removed.

When Mister and I got married and had our first Christmas I decided we needed a mistletoe hung. I thought about trying to find a ball like my moms, but also thought having it look like the real thing might be fun. So in a non-expensive newly wed style I got felt! Green and white and I was set. I love hanging this sweet sentimental piece each year now and remembering that first Christmas James and I shared together living in my sisters sister in laws basement. First Christmas' are really special! This year is Williams first Christmas! And Janes first one she will actually enjoy. I am SO (beyond so!!!) excited to watch her Christmas morning! She has really loved all the decorations and traditions we've done this year during the holidays. These little kiddos make holidays so special and fun! I love kissing there soft little cheeks as we celebrate each day the birth of Christ and joy of Christmas.

Our little mistletoe is such a piece of nostalgia that I hope we will treasure each Christmas giving kisses under.  If you don't have a mistletoe in your home make one today!!! Go get your little cheap fleece pieces and cut and glue away! For all should have a good kiss under a mistletoe at least once a year!

12 Days, Nine: Days of Christ

We have been so blessed by one of my dearest friends this year with a gift I will cherish for many Christmas's to come. She handmade this amazing book of countdown pages from December 1st to Christmas. Each page has an attribute of Christ and a scripture or quote to go with it. Each day we have loved going to our book, opening it up, and reading about Jesus Christ and thinking about how we can become like him. For truly that is what all should strive for in this life; to become like Christ.

This special book reminds us of the first gift and greatest of all. Jesus Christ exemplifies all that is good. Even if you do not believe in Christ you cannot deny that the teachings and attributes that encompass him will make you a better person in this world if you live them. I know that Christ lives, I know that He lives, and I know that He will return again to this earth. I know that my life is blessed forevermore because of Him. My family is eternally indebted to Him. There is not a greater person who has or will ever live in this earth. He was and is the Great I Am. The King of Kings. Remember Christ this season and find ways you can become like Him. You will not regret it.

12 Days, Eight; Family Time

Jane has been in love with Christmas lights as of late. We finally took the time to go on a light drive and it was so fun. My awesome friend told us the best spot to go to and I felt like a kid again at the amazing display of lights. It was incredible!!! They had 1,000's of lights covering the trees and it was truly quite the display. Jane just kept repeating, "WOW, pretty!" It was magical seeing the reflection of lights in her eyes.

Doing family time during the holidays is the best! Make sure you are pausing from the hustle bustle of shopping, decorating, parties and events to just be with your family. Those parties and presents are fun but time with family can never be replaced. I heard giggles from Jane and William so much today as they spent time with their fun daddy and it made my heart so happy! Family time really is what makes this life sweet and meaningful. 

So, Happy Christmas Sunday from the Spencer Family!!! I had to get a quick photo of our Sunday outfits cause hey, when you all match it just has to happen. I love how Sir William is pulling his suspender and crazy baby Jane can't seem to keep her fingers out of her mouth lately phase. This little family...I love them! Go hug your family today and hey even if you don't all match catch a photo of your crazy bunch this year!

12 Days, Seven: Hope

Today's 12 Days is a lesson on hope for you! I love the quote from the famous Christmas song, "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices." Sometimes I feel weary, do you? With all the hate, anger, depression, jealousy and everything that can fill this world it can get you downright weary. But there is GREAT HOPE because of the Savior, Jesus Christ.

Today I taught Sunday school and the whole message was on hope! It is one of my favorite words. It's not weak orwishy-washy, hope is strong, courageous and faith filled. Putting trust in God and striving to keep His commandments as best you can is hope. Hope for the things which aren't seen. Letting your faith be stronger than your fear. Hope is amazing! Each lesson has a purpose you strive to fulfill as a teacher, for this lesson it was; 

"Encourage others to face the future with hope because they know that the forces of evil will be overcome and the Savior will reign in triumph."

There is a great war between good and evil, it's real and it was begun before the beginning of this world. A latter day prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, stated:

“That war, so bitter, so intense, has gone on, and it has never ceased. It is the war between truth and error, between agency and compulsion, between the followers of Christ and those who have denied Him. His enemies have used every stratagem in that conflict. They’ve indulged in lying and deceit. They’ve employed money and wealth. They’ve tricked the minds of men. They’ve murdered and destroyed and engaged in every other unholy and impure practice to thwart the work of Christ. …

“[Opposition] has been felt in the undying efforts of many, both within and without the Church, to destroy faith, to belittle, to demean, to bear false witness, to tempt and allure and induce our people to practices inconsistent with the teachings and standards of this work of God. …

“The war goes on. It is waged across the world over the issues of agency and compulsion. It is waged by an army of missionaries over the issues of truth and error. It is waged in our own lives, day in and day out, in our homes, in our work, in our school associations; it is waged over questions of love and respect, of loyalty and fidelity, of obedience and integrity. We are all involved in it. We are winning [the war against Satan], and the future never looked brighter.”

How beautiful is that ending! The future is bright! No matter how dark the world may seem the Light of Christ is always stronger! Always brighter! So during this season of celebrating the birth of the Light of the World choose to follow His call, "Feed my sheep." Let that be your gift to Him this year. Show love to others, lead them to Christ and let His light shine from you! Looking at a candy cane this year think of that call and be a Shepard on the Lords side!! In closing I loved this amazing quote from another latter day prophet;

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain--the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle--and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions?”

Stand tall. Choose the Lords side. And be filled with hope daily!!!!

Great videos;

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2011-11-020-mens-hearts-shall-fail-them?lang=eng

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2009-09-36-the-power-of-hope?lang=eng

12 Days, Six: The Babe

Tomorrow for Christmas Sunday I have the opportunity to sing the beautiful song "Breath of Heaven." Our music director chose all the songs and all the people to sing them. When I was assigned this song I didn't think much of it, but I have come to care very tenderly for the emotions of this song. After having my own children pondering the role of Mary in the nativity story has been a favorite part of the Christmas season. She was such a courageous, strong and humble soul. And then there was Joseph, a faithful, understanding and loving companion. Thinking of being in the last days of pregnancy, riding on a donkey, seeking shelter, and having your first child far from home, in a stable with animals, and not having family/friends to help sounds so daunting and frightening. But there is such a peace in the nativity story, that I am sure qualmed all the anxious and overwhelming thoughts Mary must have been having.

In the words of this song there is great hope! We all feel weak, alone, overwhelmed in this life. But Christ is the one who lightens that load, brings light to the darkest of times and helps us overcome grief and pain. How grateful I am He was born to courageous parents so long ago. What a daunting task it must have been to know you were raising the son of God.

Being a parent to little souls is already trying and hard, I cannot imagine adding the fact that your son was Gods and was sent here to save mankind. I have thought a great deal though on the fact that we are ALL children of God and we all have a great duty to become more like the Savior. Each one of us has divine potential from the very beginning. Every babe born into this world can have hope and peace in this life because of Christ.

Looking back to the morning I had William I remember thinking a lot about my breath. It is easy to start hyperventilating or holding your breath as you are in labor. But it is crucial for you to not do that and be in control of your breathing. I love the phrase, "Hold me together" in this song because in times of great stress, anxiety, loneliness (or whatever emotion you want to slide in there) you sometimes literally feel like you might fall apart. Pausing to breath and allow the heavens to open and care for you is so important in this life. We are not alone and there is a loving Heavenly Father who yearns for our happiness. As you travel through this life seek the Lord, like the shepards and wise men of old, seek for His light. For He truly "lightens the darkness."

Breath of Heaven

"I have travelled many moonless night
Cold and weary, with a babe inside
And I wonder what I've done
Holy Father, you have come
And chosen me now
To carry your son

I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone,
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now
Be with me now

Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Light up my darkness
Pour over me your holiness
For you are holy

Breath of heaven
Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one one should have had my place
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of your plan
Help me be strong
Help me be
Help me

Breath of heaven
Hold me together
Be forever near me
Breath of heaven
Breath of heaven
Light up my darkness.."

12 Days, Five: Gingerbread Homes

Baby Jane decorated her first gingerbread house!! It was a lot of fun! She really really really wanted to eat all the candy but did a really good job learning moderation (that's her newest word). It was so fun watching her little fingers push candies onto the house and the excitement in her sweet little face. In college I took a baking class and built a huge, real, fancy gingerbread house with stained glass window candy, icicles and a picket fence to boot! It was awesome. I even cut a round hole in the board it was on to insert a candle to have it glow. This house went down in history as we took it out to an open field in Idaho and our guy friends shot it with a gun. It took 8 bullets to really break the thing apart, so so fun! But making the real deal can be pretty time consuming and especially with little ones, not worth your time. Someday I would love to create another masterpiece but for now using the classic Graham's works just great!

My dear friend, Jessica, gave us a gingerbread kit to build one and it was he perfect thank you gift. Jane was so excited as he candies were pulled out and now chocolate crackers are her favorite ;). It was a blast and super simple. What a great little gift to give to someone with small kiddos, or for you to pick up supplies and do it yourself with your little family. All you need is;

Graham crackers (chocolates pretty fun)

Icing

Candies

You're set for a fun filled evening building little mini candy homes. It's fun how we decorate our real homes on the outside as well. Driving around so many homes look like little gingerbread houses with candy lights and icing on their rooftops. The home really is he coziest place on earth. Well it should be. I feel so sad for people who either have no home, were driven from their homes, or don't have a peaceful home. Home is truly the fundamental piece of a persons life that can make all the difference in their future. A good home is priceless, and all other successes in this life are minuscule compared to that of success in the home. As I think of Mary and Joseph traveling that night so long ago in Bethlehem I can just imagine how they yearned to be in a home. To feel safe, warm, comfortable and protected. How difficult it would have been to knock and knock and knock and not find room at any inn. A humble stable was quite the start for such a humble man. How courageous Mary and Joseph were! Make sure you make room at your "inn" for the Savior to be welcome.

12 Days, Four: Holiday Potpourri

We just watched the Grinch recently and it is up there with top favorite Christmas shows! There are so many funny one liners, the acting is superb and the music is wonderful. One line Mister James and I laughed at this year was, "One mans toxic sludge is another mans potpourri. I don't know it's some kind of soup!" So so funny that Grinch fellow. I love he smells of the Christmas season, don't you?! Fresh pine, cookies baking, cinnamon & cloves, peppermint, gingerbread...oh they are the best smells of the year. Recently my dearest friend, Alida, gave me a mix to simmer on my stove and I have loved it so today I share it with you!! I put all the ingredients in a mason jar on my heating part of my stove. Not only do I love the smell but it looks pretty to!! Cranberries, cinnamon sticks and oranges, doesn't get much better than that.

I love having yummy smells fill my home year round but Christmastime really is blessed with the best of smells!!! I added a little drop of almond extract to, you can always add a bit of your favorites into the mix. Enjoy this yummy potpourri this year in your home!

12 Days, Three: Believe

Happy holidays! I've been a bit behind on my twelve days goals. Getting 5 watts frozen off and 3 cavities filled, Merry Christmas right ;). Ouch. So it has slowed me down a bit on everything. But not to worry here comes the catch up. For neighbor gifts this year I decided to put together some peppermint cocoa kits. It was awesome throwing candy canes in the Blendtec and seeing them smash up. Jane was shocked at how loud it was, and we had fun mixing it together into the cocoa together. A warm glass of peppermint cocoa is one of the most welcoming gifts during the cold season. I hope it will be a special treat for some of our special dear friends.

I attached a little tag I made with the word believe and a few scriptures. I love the song "Believe" from Polar Express by Josh Groban. It is a beautiful piece and message. I love the image of a Christmas bell and the meaning that the book Polar Express gives the bell. We all would do well to remember the true meaning of Christmas and hear the magic like a child does. So go ring some jingle bells and sip some cocoa with a bit of peppermint in it and enJOY this season!!

Link to cocoa: http://www.dvo.com/newsletter/monthly/2015/december/pinterest.html

I'll add the tag for downloading soon to!

12 Days, Two: Filtered Fun

Alrighty, for day TWO of the twelve days of Christmas I wanted to share these awesome craft projects that are super cheap! I don't drink coffee but man are the filters versatile. You can use them for so many things, and especially crafting. I've seen people make wreaths, flowers, dye them and all sorts of amazing things. I have discovered two favorites for the holidays! Making snowflakes and winter trees! Coffee filters are sold at our $Dollar Store for just a buck and so these projects are practically free, and hey who doesn't like a free piece of decor?

I love that they are white! That is a color we may not think of at Christmas when our focus can be red and green. But white is my favorite Christmas color. It is clean, pure, crisp and vibrant. White reminds me of the sweetness of a perfect child. It makes me think of the first blanket of snow that covers the ground. White is such a symbol of peace, and that is Christmas. It is a time when we celebrate the prince of peace and a time when we get to cozy inside our homes from the peaceful coldness outside. I love white!

I hope you get to try out these fun crafting table ideas. Hey are so easy and inexpensive. I have snowflakes all over our home now and I am just waiting for a nap time long enough so I can make some of those beautiful trees! Happy 12 days!!

Filter Flakes:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=J3q9rJ7qmm8

Filtered Forest:

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/coffee-filter-trees/

12 Days, One: Lighting Ceremony

The greatest reason....no THE reason for Christmas is Christ! Sometimes with all the hustle bustle, shopping, gifts, plays, traveling and what not that people go through during the holiday season distracts us from why we are even celebrating. Within the very holiday name is the the title of Christ. We would do well to make sure HE is the focus for this season. A little tradition my mother started and one I have strived to carry on is that of a Lighting Ceremony.

So my FIRST day of Christmas gift to you is teaching you about what a Lighting Ceremony is. We go into the scriptures and read from Luke 2 the account of Christs birth. And as we do so we intermingle singing hymns and turning on lights. The great meaning behind this holiday tradition to me is being reminded of the Light of Christmas. We see lights on homes and trees, we decorate with candles and stars, we involve a great deal of lights in Christmas decor. The greatest light is Christ and all the lights of the season should help us focus on His light.

We invite a few families each year to share in this tradition and it is always so special. As we sit in darkness at the beginning and then slowly turn on different lights in the house I get filled with Joy that we are blessed with light. Oh how awful it would be to live in a world with no light. I am so thankful the Savior was born and provided us with hopeful light in our lives.

Here is a rough layout of what a Lighting Ceremony might look like, but of course you can use your own songs, your own images to light up and your own scriptures to!

Open with a happy triumphant song:

"Jingle bells jingle bells", ring some jolly jingle bells!!

Read Luke 2:1-5, light up a village or town scene you might have! I have a little ceramic village I got at the $Dollar store that I turn a light on.

"Oh little Town of Bethlehem"

Read Luke 2:6-7: A nativity scene or painting of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus.

"Away in a manger"

Read Luke 2: 8-16: The tree with an angel or star on top. This one can include all sorts of images to light up; sheep, a shepards staff, Angels...

"Silent night"

12 Days of Joy

I have been pondering on what to do for the 12 days of Christmas this year. Usually we pick a family and give gifts in the door step each year, but this year that's just not able to happen. So I've been thinking about what other way I can still "serve" and "give" something of meaning to others. I have decided to do it here on the blog. Each day up till Christmas I am going to share some Joy here in our family blog. Some days it may just be a special quote or thought, other days a recipe or craft shares, and then others a free printable for you to print and hang within the walls of your home.

I love this special and JOYfilled season. It truly is the Most Wonderful time of the Year!! Keep posted in the first two days of Christmas Joy cause I'll have a little catch up to do today. I hope that you, and not just I, get something out of these posts. Is not that photo of William one that fills you with glee? He is so fun and he's really been rockin' that bow tie look. That's your little pre-curser to a great 12 Days to come that will add glee and joy to your day. Fill your heart with great JOY this season!!

Love,

Carolyn