Train Up Tuesday: The Conspiracy

If you are an ardent Advent lover, you've probably already heard of the Advent Conspiracy. It's for those of you who want more from Christmas...and by "more" I DON'T mean more gifts :) Check out this video for a brief overview:

When I was first introduced to AC a couple of years ago, it was instrumental in impacting my family's traditions. It has lead us to spend less on each other, make more gifts, get creative, and give more towards missions (local and internationally) and towards those around us in need of help or encouragement. The last few years have been exceptionally wonderful for us. I can't remember much that I've received in way of packaged gifts, but what we've received as a family in contentment, joy, quality and quantity time cannot be matched.

I hope that the recent weeks' posts have encouraged your gift making and giving, but more than that, I hope this week's post drives you to do more by doing less in some areas.

Merry Christmas & join the Conspiracy!

Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: B*E*L*I*E*V*E

(Pinterest pic...couldn't find original source)

So, last week, I directed you to the website Impress Your Kids for a great tutorial (on ahomemade gift idea) and to be inspired for Advent ideas. Well, guess what? Although I'm a subscriber, I sometimes get behind on fresh reads from my favorite sites. In doing that, I didn't realize that Amanda (Impress Your Kids) has a downloadable Advent book "Truth inthe Tinsel" complete with daily lessons and ornaments (that can be made with household items)! Best part....it's only $4.99 and you can download it IMMEDIATELY! "Yeah, but it's already December 6!" No sweat! She has alternate schedules so that you don't have to feel pressured to complete all 24 days. So, go there NOW (well...when you finish reading this blog, first) ;-)

Speaking of "Truth in the Tinsel", two of the lessons from the last few days have really got me thinking. One day, we learned about Gabriel's message to Zechari

ah regarding the joyous news that he and his wife would have a baby, even in their old age (Luke 1:5-25). Zechariah doubted, and as a result, the angel shut his mouth so that he would not be able to speak until John (the baby) was born.

(Zechariah ornaments my boys made from "Truth in the Tinsel")

The next day, we learned about Gabriel's message to Mary, that not ONLY would she conceive though she had not "known" a man, but that her son would be THE SON of the Most High (Luke 1:26-38)! And her words? "Be it unto me, according to your word." She may have been "troubled" by the saying, but she had no disbelief.

(Ornament made by my oldest)

Now, when I contrast those 2 messages, it seems more likely that Mary should have doubted, for her news not only seemed impossible, but also a little "lofty", whereas Zechariah's news was more on the "highly improbable" list. But how many times do we do this...doubt something that is "highly improbable" at best (or worst?)?

I wonder how many times that our doubt has resulted in us missing opportunities to proclaim knowledge of God's hand at work while it was happening or about God's peace while we were waiting for the promise. Maybe God is still going to "do" as He promised, but because of our doubt, we miss being able to give Him glory in the meantime.

I so want to be like Mary - when faced with joyous (though maybe intimidating or overwhelming) news - that I sing and praise even before there is evidence of the arrival of God's promise. I don't want to have "nothing to say" or be unable to speak of what I see God doing because I doubt!

Just BELIEVE!

Homemade Gift #5

Are you enjoying the homemade gifts from the last month? I know they are nothing fancy. I don't know how to sew, I don't knit, so I have limitations with time and knowledge as to what I can do. But I do enjoy the little bit that I DO get to make!

This week's idea is very easy. I like scrapbooks (have NEVER made one)...but I LOVE photo books that you can put together electronically on various sites. This year for my Want, Need, Wear, Read gifts, each of my 3 boys are getting a photo book filled with photos from a previous year of their life (can you say, "someone neglected keeping up with baby books"?).

I've used a few different photo sharing sites, but so far, my favorite is Shutterfly, both for quality, affordability (especially with discounts this time of year), and ease of putting it together (which, with 3 boys ranks pretty high on my list of importance). I especially love their custom path.

Because of a recent shipping special, I also ordered some extra Christmas cards from them (I'd rather spend my money on a product to qualify for free shipping than to pay for shipping!) They have some lovely Christmas card designs as well as lots of other designs in their collection (maybe for a New Year's card if it's too late for you to do a holiday card?).

Family Gallery Christmas Card

Turn your favorite pictures into personalized Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Here is a preview of our card!

Take care!

Ashlie

Thrifty Thursday: Free Christmas Cards

Attention all you blogging ladies!

If you didn't already know, you will now...you can receive 50 FREE Christmas Cards through TinyPrints! Oh, how I've always loved TinyPrints. If you are interested, simply go here for all the info. you need and it's as easy as 1...2...3!

What makes this deal even better? Our sweet friend Caroline has a special line of Multiple Blessings holiday cards with TinyPrints! If you're like me (and her), you want to keep the CHRIST in CHRISTmas so she wanted me to be extra sure that you know you can use the artwork on her line of holiday cards but change any of the "season's greetings, holidayish" wording to whatever you would like it to say...a scripture, something about Jesus, the word "CHRISTmas"....what have you. Basically, you aren't bound by the text on TinyPrint's site which is a very helpful tidbit to know.

Sooooo.....ya'll get creative and send us your creations!

Train Up Tuesday: Random Acts of Kindness and Homemade Gift #2

Did you know that November 7th is the beginning of "Random Acts of Kindness" week? You may remember a link to some great RAoK ideas a few weeks ago. Well, I searched on "Pinterest" for some more ideas (unrelated to blogging about it here) and was pleasantly surprised with THIS RAoK Advent idea (Random Acts of Christmas Kindness)! What a GREAT way to "redeem the time" and make the focus of Advent what it was truly intended to be!

I also like the timing of the "RAoK Week" because it leads up to "Veterans Day." Wouldn't it be lovely to take some time THIS week to do some "random acts" for a Veteran you know? Or perhaps you don't personally know a Veteran. Maybe you could keep your eyes peeled when you are in public for some men and women wearing flag pins or hats. You could secretly pay for their meal or coffee and perhaps leave a note of encouragement and thanks to them. Maybe you could do something for the family of a Veteran (those spouses and children have made much sacrifice, as well).

Although (I think) Veterans should often receive "special treatment", I doubt it is as commonplace as it once was. Your children may ask why you are doing it; perhaps the receiver asks as well. Make sure that your children and the Veterans know that it is more than mere appreciation, but that you are a "servant of Christ" and it is your delight to serve or encourage others so that they may see Christ.

What a GREAT opportunity that RAoK Week and Veterans Day affords us this week! Check out randomactsofkindness.org for more ideas!

Homemade Gift (2)
This next gift is so much fun! It's a dress up trunk! Almost every little boy or girl I know would love such a gift. Last year, I collected clothes and costumes for my niece at half price sales at thrift stores and by rummaging through my own unused collection of purses, bags, accessories and jewelry. With the Halloween season behind us, you may be able to score some great steals on costumes. Your imagination is the only limitation! Find either an old suitcase or a rubber storage container. I LOVED seeing my niece's expressions as she discovered all the treasures inside.

Another play on this idea is to make "when I grow up" kits. Maybe you collect things for an original doctor's kit (bandages, cute cold compresses), housewife's cleaning box (empty squirt bottles, aprons, cute rags), or even something imaginative like a "knight's chest" or a "space explorer's backpack". This year, I'm working on a Caboodle's box (does ANYONE remember those?!) filled with real curling and flat irons (with electrical cords removed), hair clips, hair embellishments (maybe I'll find some feathers), and fake make up. I found great inspiration for fake make up that doesn't involve the mess of the play make up. Be sure to check it out on Chasing Cheerios!

Hope this inspires your Advent Season AND your week (You don't have to save RACK for Christmas; make it Random Acts of CHRISTIAN Kindness any day!...Thanks to my friend, Kathy for that one) ;-)

Train Up Tuesday: Words of Affirmation and Homemade Gifts

Okay, let's just get it out there. It's NOVEMBER!!! I know it's still too early for most to think about Christmas, and I certainly DON'T want to rush my favorite holiday (Thanksgiving), but if you've been following the Roof for a while, you know that the ADVENT season is one of my favorite times of year. I always wait until almost the end of November to mention it, so I'm trying to get a jump on it this year. I love the "anticipation" of it all - not just the countdown to Christmas, but instilling the love of "anticipation" for our Lord's return.

So, if you are filled with this "anticipation", I'd like to offer some ideas over the next few weeks on what you can do as you await Christ's return AND an idea of how you can prepare for the coming holiday season.

If you recognize the phrase "Words of Affirmation", you may know the book "The Five Love Languages". (And if you don't know the book, it is WELL worth your read!) In case it doesn't ring a bell, it is the love language that uses the spoken (or written) word to encourage someone you love. Oddly enough, it is often people we think who don't need these words (extroverts, performer types, those managing or directing others) who often need them the most!



Recently, God has "blessed" my family with a few opportunities to use kind words (we started calling them "healing words" in light of our recent memory verse: Proverbs 12:18) in public situations dealing with people who work in some form of customer service. In a couple of different situations, women were struggling with either the boundaries of their position or their inexperience on their new job. In the one situation, we did not have the opportunity to "give" healing words, but in the car ride home, my oldest son asked if we could pray that the lady would have a better day (because it was certainly impacting those around her!). In the second situation, my boys heard me encourage the young lady that her day would get better, which led to another prayer for someone we didn't know.

I say this, not to brag on my "perfect" (*snort*) family, but to encourage you moms to take captive of those little opportunities to bring "healing words" to someone your family encounters THIS week! As a stay-at-home mom, I have to hunt and keep my eyes peeled for such encounters.

Homemade gift (#1)
Over the years, my family has experimented with different gift-givings to try to bring it all back into the right focus. We've done "Make, Bake, Sew, or Grow" (where the gifts you give must fit one of those categories thus making it somewhat homemade); with my kids we've given just 3 gifts (to represent the Magi) and last year we did 4 gifts for each (something you Want, you Need, to Wear, and to Read). We'll probably stick pretty close to the latter again this year. However, I always try to make at least one of the gifts I give (can you tell what MY "love language" is?).

This year, I'll try to share with you some easy-peasy gift ideas that you, too, can make (trust me, it'll be pretty easy....with 3 boys running around, I can't really get into too many crazy hobbies and craftiness)!

One gift that has been fun for me is decorating wooden peg dolls. I found loads of inspiration on Etsy.com and one year I made little families for my nieces and one set for our family (and if I can find a pic, I'll post one later).

This year, I hope to make peg superheros for at least one of my boys who is really into Spiderman lately. I found these cuties on Pinterest (but you can by these through an Etsy shop):




You can buy wooden pegs at Hobby Lobby (wait until unfinished wood goes on sale or take a coupon). If you want more shapes and sizes (as I did), you can buy them from Etsy as well. You can even use the old wooden clothespins (without the springs). Have fun with it, add "hair" or fabric if you are so inclined. OR, if you have a crafty one on your gift list, give them the supplies they need (paints, brushes, glue, pegs) so they can design their OWN peggies. I've even seen some drill little holes, attach a small hook, and make a cute necklace out of their peg people!

Peg people - it's a relatively quick, easy, and inexpensive crafty gift!

Happy November!
Ashlie

Thrifty Thursday: Make that gift list and check it twice!

Time to start your new budget for 2011! Here are some helpful hints for dealing with this year's holidays and birthdays.

Make a lists of...

1....anything you did not have this Christmas that you may want next year. You will find these things 80% off this time of year. We always drive around and see all the lights and get new ideas for our house. So we make a list and go to the store a couple days after Christmas and use some of our Christmas cash to get the supplies. We are getting them at their best price and not cutting into our budget.

2...the birthdays you will have in 2011. I did a post last year on how you can save a bundle by shopping all year long for birthdays and next Christmas. Last year Walmart had their Christmas toys 75% off. You bet I bought ten craft packs and gave them as presents through the entire year. I can not wait to see what they will have this year!:) Keep in mind, though, I've found online specials are the best mid year for toys.

Make sure that you note on your list what months your girlfriends have birthdays. There are usually magazine specials for around $3 for a year subscription on all kind of magazines but will take 12 weeks to start delivery, http://www.tanga.com/products/christianity-today-magazine-subscription--2. Example: my sister has a birthday in April, I will wait for a fun one she will enjoy and order in January.

3....teacher gifts. This is another time to stock up! Bath and Body Works will usually have lotions for $3. They retail for $9. I have two kids that will be in school next year and I will get 4 of these and they will provide a holiday cello bag at no charge. How fun, simple, and budget friendly!
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2279332&cp=3157625.11101891

Think ahead on your purchases. Another great gift for anyone are books. Make sure to see what movies are scheduled to come out in 2011. Most people who like to read love to read the book before they see the movie. How thoughtful! You can get gently used to 75% off and most of the time you can not even tell. I gave a couple of this for Christmas presents this year and they had no idea. I guess they will now if they read this!

When looking at clearance sections always have your gift list in mind. When you purchase an item, go ahead and mark the person off of this list. Trust me that you will get items at best prices with the least amount of stress. I cut my gift budget by 75% last year by doing this.

Wrapping: save comic papers from your papers for wrapping! Budget and Earth friendly. Kids love reading them as well!

Have fun!

I hope to continue through this year with fun and thoughtful gift ideas for you and your family this year!

Love,

Imogene

Train Up Tuesday: PLAY!

I know most of us are overwhelmed by Christmas cleanup. Did you wake up the day after wondering...where on earth are we gonna put all this stuff?! I declare, even when we as parents tighten things up and give only what matters most, kiddos still seem to receive more than we (or they) can imagine!

Of course, we need to tidy up and get back to "normal", but while you are doing that, don't forget to take some time to play with your little ones and enjoy the season. They won't be little much longer. Besides, how can you resist playtime when you have little ones dressed for the part? ;-)


Hope your days have been "merry",
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: The 12 of Christmas

Only a few days left until Christmas! I know you are all super busy, even if you aren't into the over-commercialization and big spending.

That being said, I hate the idea of giving you another "project", but I think this one could be worthwhile to all the readers and ultimately could adjust your Christmas focus just where it should be...on the Christ.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas." Not sure what you think of it. I know the origins and meaning of it vary. Some people think it's those last 12 days before Christmas; actually it starts Christmas day and goes through the New Year week. One thing is for certain...the lyrics are LOOooonnnggg and easily confused ;-D (Is it 11 lords a leaping or 11 ladies dancing...or neither?).

I am a new subscriber of a great magazine - "The Old Schoolhouse". Evidently, each year they write an article on the 12 Days of Christmas. This year, however, they opted to write a wonderful article on how your family can celebrate the 12 names of Christ! Without stealing what they have written, perhaps we can come up with some great ways to teach the importance of those Precious Names to our children:

1. Wonderful
2. Counselor
3. The Mighty God
4. The Everlasting Father
5. The Prince of Peace
6. Emmanuel (God with Us)
7. A Savior (Christ the Lord)
8. Jesus
9. The Lamb of God
10. The Light of the World
11. The Good Shepherd
12. The Alpha and Omega

So, have at it. In the comments, choose a number(s) and submit an idea for teaching the principle to our families. Perhaps it's a song, searching Scriptures, a unit study, craft, activity or something beyond!

Anxiously awaiting and hoping your Christmas is wonderful,
Ashlie

Marvelous Monday: Party Cheese Ball

Ladies,

I have another very special introduction to make! Our friend, Caroline (aka Happy Four), has agreed to share some of her many talents with us. She's an avid reader and is going to share some book suggestions and reviews with you in the future. In addition, she has excellent budgeting tips, baking ideas (my daughter LOVES her chocolate pops), craft and decorating ideas. I think you'll find that you lover her gentle heart just as everyone who meets her quickly finds.

As you're finishing last minute Christmas details, you may have some cooking left to do for THE big weekend. This is such a CUTE idea!!!! Without further ado, heeeerrrreeee's Caroline...

This is such a wonderful time of the year as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the day our Savior was born. Amidst all the excitement there seem to be parties galore and lots of details we have to accomplish. This afternoon my family is attending a little Christmas party and we are to bring something to share.

This cheese ball only took me 2 minutes to make and is a yummy appetizer to share with others.

Ingredients:

2 packages (8 ounces) Cream Cheese, softened (regular or 1/3 reduced fat)

1 package (8 ounces) Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce

4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled) - I omit this from my cheese balls

Crackers to serve on the side

Directions:

Mix all ingredients together and roll in three balls (large, medium and small).
Place on a platter in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.

I use a carrot for the nose, pretzels for arms and raisins for the eyes, mouth and buttons, but you can also use peppercorns. It is not necessary to have a hat, but since I had oreos and large marshmallows on hand my boys asked me to give him a hat.

This recipe can also be rolled in nuts of your choice and in the shape of one or two cheese balls and freezes beautifully!

Luke 2:13, 14 (KJV)

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

SAHS: Christmas Crafts!

Are you looking for some crafty activities to do with your kids before Christmas? Look no further than Roof With a View! Here are two crafts that are preschool/elementary-age friendly and require very little materials.

Craft #1 - Marshmallow Snowman

Items needed: pencil, foam board, school glue, several bags of large marshmallows, gum drops, black construction paper

Take a half sheet of foam board and draw the outline of a snowman (think three circles on top of each other). Draw and cut out a top hat from the black construction paper. Starting with the head of the snowman, drizzle a good amount of glue in the circle and smear around with your fingers. Starting along the outline of the circle, place marshmallows side by side. Work your way to the center of the circle, nestling the marshmallows in together.

After all three circles are complete, glue gum drops on for his eyes, nose, mouth and buttons. Put glue on the back of the hat and glue at the top of the snowman. Allow to dry several hours before propping up to display.

Craft #2 - Paper Plate Angel (Fun story about this one: my husband and I teach preschool Sunday School at church and this past week our parent helpers were CC and her husband. The curriculum gave us a very difficult craft for the day, so CC came up with this darling angel!)

Items needed: white paper plate with scalloped edge (translation: cheap paper plate), scissors, glue stick, gold doilies, marker/crayon, some sort of cotton ball/stringy material for the hair

Cut four wedges out of the plate to form the head, wings and skirt of the angel (see picture). Have children draw on the face of the angel (we did use eye stickers here). Cut one doily in half, then cut ONE of the halves in half again (you should have three doily pieces now). Put glue on the angels wings, then paste down the two small doily sections. Paste the larger doily piece onto the angel's skirt. Paste hair onto angel. Voila! A darling little angel!

Have fun celebrating Christmas with your little angels (pun definitely intended!). Allow their excitement about the season to infect you!

Love,

Amy

GIVEAWAY: Happy Hookum Holidays!

At a loss for a Christmas gift? I've found one for you!!!!

Background: I have a great friend dating allllll the way back to my high school days named Britt. It so happen's that Britt's hubby, Joe, has come up with a brainchild. It's a game called Hookum. In Britt and Joe's family Christmas Card, I received a VIP card w/ a great Hookum discount and it seemed a great solution for a hard to buy for family member which also happens to LOVE games. I ordered it promptly and it arrived lickety split.

What is Hookum? This video sold me (by the way, the beautiful blonde Hookum champ is sweet Britt).


We are sooooo excited that Joes wants to let The Roof in on part of all this Hookum hubbub. He would like to host a giveaway! Joe says:

It’s that time of year again. The trees are lit. The stockings are hung. The presents are…oh yeah, the presents.

Your kids are easy. Your friends don’t really need anything. But what to buy for the man in your life? His list is generally short and expensive…not very helpful. Why? When a man recognizes something he needs, he buys it. So you have to think of something that, A) he hasn’t thought of, and B) he will enjoy just the same.

Luckily, we’ve found just the thing. It’s called Hookum. And it is the perfect gift this holiday season. For husbands and boyfriends, it is inexpensive, easy, and novel. Perfect for a man cave or entertainment area. But here’s the best part about it: it’s fun for just about anyone!

Hookum takes a ring toss game born in the Caribbean, makes it multiplayer, and adds a triple dose of excitement. The goal is to swing your ring onto your hook. And while that sounds simple, it is tantalizingly difficult.

Hookum expands to over two feet tall and easily collapses to stow out of the way. It’s great for parties and entertaining. Just leave it out and people will gravitate to it. It sets up in seconds, it doesn’t require a huge investment of time and it can be enjoyed by just about everyone.

Around the holidays, we’re always looking for reasons to get together with family and friends. Hookum is often the centerpiece that allows us to gather for a little competition and a big laugh.

Want to try Hookum? We are giving RWAV readers a special discount: Visit http://www.PlayHookum.com and enter this code to get 25% off + FREE shipping! [25OFFCOUPON]

Ladies, we know you love a deal so if you want to be sure to get your Hookum in time for Christmas, don't delay taking Joes up on his generous offer! In the meantime, be sure to enter the giveaway to win your very own.

Giveaway guidelines:
We're going to keep it simple and clean. Comment on this post. Equal chance. Fair and square for all. Hurry to enter because we'll announce the giveaway on Sunday so maaaaybe you'll get your Hookum in time for your holiday entertaining.

Also, something you have to look forward to tomorrow is Wednesday in the Word with GLENDA!!!!! Please be sure to welcome her back so she'll staaaaay back. :)

A special thank you to Joe Parrish for hosting our giveaway. Glenda, can't wait till tomorrow!

Love ya'll,
Hannah

Training Up Tuesday: Christmas Ornaments

Here is a fun Christmas activity to do with your children. When I taught preschool, we made these each year at Christmas time and I've made these a few times with my own children. It's an easy project to do with them. Just make sure they know that they are not edible! They smell very good and they do resemble cookies, so it's tempting to little mouths:)

Apple Cinnamon Ornaments

1 Cup Apple Sauce

1 Cup Cinnamon

1/4 Cup Glue

*Mix the ingredients together. The mix will be runny at first, but let it sit for approximately 5 minutes. Then roll the mix into a ball:

*Roll out flat, as you would with cookie dough and cut shapes with Christmas cookie cutters:

*Place on a cookie sheet to dry. (as you can see, one of my children added a pumpkin and dog bone cookie cutter to our Christmas ones!). Take a straw and poke a hole all the way through the dough while it's still wet. Then place ornaments in a place where little hands can't get them and let dry overnight:

*Once the ornaments are dry, tie a ribbon through the hole and hang up on a tree or garland. We placed them on our kitchen tree:

*Enjoy!! These ornaments smell SO good!

Marvelous Monday w/ Women of the Roof!

Hey ya'll!

Since we don't have the pleasure of visiting around one another's trees over Christmas coffee, oooooohing and ahhhhhing at each other's festive decorations, we thought we would bring our homes to you! Over the next couple of weeks, we hope you will enjoy glimpses of our Christmas trees, favorite Christmas decorations or any other Christmas concoction the ladies of the Roof happen to conjure up. So, get in your comfies, pour yourself a cup of coffee or hot cocoa, nestle up by the fire and make yourself at home.:)

First, welcome to the living room of CC (aka the musing foodie). ooooh laaaa laaaa. Isn't that tree gorg?!? I love the lighted tree skirt!
Now, let's move on into our Donna's dining room. This is one of her all time fav Christmas decorations. It is a Sterling Silver 12 Days of Christmas ornament tree. Isn't it beautiful?! She also has a kid's gumdrop tree that I bet we could twist her arm into showing. :)
Won't ya'll come on over to Glenda's abode and enjoy her living area decorations!?! This picture doesn't do her big peppermint tree justice. It is beautiful and gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling all over. This area is COZY and beckons for a Christmas tea party!
Let's move on into Angela's kitchen to refill our cups and gather round her PRESH Starbucks tree. Who woulda thought of such an adorable idea!?!? Leave it to, Ang! Think she likes Starbucks? Sooooo creative.
Now, come on over to the home of yours truly and enjoy our kid friendly tree. This pic is way fuzzy cuz I quickly snapped it with my phone so I'm not sure if you can tell the lights are red and white but they are. I'm loving the red and white theme that it seems the ladies of the roof have going. Great minds...:) Side story: see the polka dotted tree skirt? I loved this thing until I realized a MAJOR grammatical error on the monogrammers part that I can't believe I didn't notice sooner. We had it embroidered with our last name which should read "The ___s." However, it reads "The ___'s." Ahhhh, it drives me bonkers. Think I can dethread the apostrophe without wreacking havoc?

Here we have Amy A's tree which I believe wins the award for being put up the earliest (like November 1st or something...OK. not really the 1st but not long after). Isn't it purdy?!?!
And here is one of Amy A's favorite ways to decorate for Christmas. She thought of this all by her lonesome. Use ornament hooks to hang Christmas cards from the garland on your stairs. How smart is that?!?! Happy Monday, ya'll!!!!! Stay tuned for more Christmas fun with the ladies of the Roof.

Love,

Hannah

Stay at Home Saturday: WHO feast!

Last night my family had THE best time as my parents hosted a Who feast incorporating all the fun from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. EVERYONE got into it and I'll admit the adults might have REALLY gotten into it. If only I could post the pictures of my mom and dad in full costume but that would be serious blackmail and I promised...Here are some pics I CAN post.

There were Who placecards for each of us.

Even the dishes had name cards!

Just one of the costumes...our resident Cindy Lou Who in full costume The set up
The Who Feast Menu

Roast Beast Sandwiches (Barbecue)

Who Hash (Scalloped Potatoes)

Who Pudding (Corn Casserole)

Dessert-Grinch Green Pudding (Vanilla pudding colored w/ green food coloring)

We concluded the festivities with our All Star Who (my dad) reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas and then drove to see Christmas lights b/c a local home happens to have their yard lit w/ Whoville. It was all so fun. I would recommend your family, young and old, giving it a whirl. I guarantee a great time.

Now, here is your Savory Smackerel for this Saturday. Who Pudding (aka Paula Deen's Corn Casserole). This is a paaaarrrrrrtttttaaaaaayyyyyy in your mouth. I promise you will love it and it's a perfect Christmas side dish.

Ingredients

1 (15 1/4-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn
1 (8-ounce) package corn muffin mix (recommended: Jiffy)
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, stir together the 2 cans of corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Pour into a greased 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Bake for 45 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and top with Cheddar. Return to oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Let stand for at least 5 minutes and then serve warm.

Happy Saturday!

Love,

Hannah Lou Who :)

Free-for-all Friday: Making a List...Checking it Twice!

If you’ve made your list and checked it twice, you might be pondering what to get those who are super nice. TEACHERS! Don’t forget them, as they are instrumental in helping mold our children. In being a huge blessing and pouring so much into what they do, I feel they need and deserve to be remembered around the holidays. Amy A and I send our kids to the same preschool and as Room Moms, collaborated on a ‘Favorites List’ that we put in a fun little survey form and solicited the teachers with. Asking teachers about their favorite things, we then put a fun little Christmas letter together for the parents of our respective classes to aid in some helpful shopping tips. After all, what teacher wants nuts they are allergic to, chocolate if they’re on a diet or a candle and lotion scent that give them a headache? Explaining in our letter that gifts weren’t mandatory but that this was merely a collection of helpful hints should the shopping spree wave hit, the letters have proven a successful venture in years past and I know this Christmas will be no exception.

Feel free to adopt this for your teachers as well – we asked them the following:

Favorite Color
Favorite Restaurant
Favorite Dessert
Favorite Salty Snack
Favorite Candy
Favorite Grocery Store
Favorite Hot Drink
Favorite Cold Drink
Favorite Scent
Favorite Store
Allergies/Aversions
Hobbies/Interests
Birthday

Budgets are different for every family, and where some can afford a restaurant gift certificate, another can put together a meaningful basket of a favorite drink, package of candy and salty snack for $5 or less. It’s the thought behind the gift that really matters – not the amount spent. Include a meaningful message in an attached card and you have yourself the perfect gift.

Have fun spreading some Christmas Cheer!
Love,
CC

Train Up Tuesday: The Best Way to Find What You've Lost

So, today, my husband and I found out THE best way to find something you've lost...

Nope, it's not retracing your steps, or looking in the "last place" (you know, because you usually "in the last place you look"....um, who continues to look after the looking in the "last place" if they've found it by that point?).

The BEST way to find something you've lost, is to buy another one to replace it! It's almost a sure thing that you WILL find the "original" about 5 minutes after you bring the new one home. Case in point, I could NOT find my "One Wintry Night" by Ruth Bell Graham this year when going through my Christmas and Advent things. I was so agitated! I had all the ornaments for our Jesse Tree that we decorate based on this book, so I had to postpone starting that....until last night, after asking my sweetheart to buy another copy. He gave it to me first thing upon arriving home and said, "Ya know, we'll probably find the original in about five minutes."

Before bed last night, we read it, and then opened our special ornament box to place a snowflake (for Chapter 1) on the Jesse Tree. Low and behold, in the bottom of the box (that I DID open about a week ago and kinda glance through, I promise!) was our original copy of our beloved book. Sigh. We were all very happy about it.

And YOU should be happy about it, because.....

I'm giving the new copy away to one of YOU lucky readers :)

AND....

EVERYONE has equal, fair opportunity to win it because everyone only gets one entry. No extra entries for FB liking, tweeting, blogging, etc. Just a fair chance for all you ladies ;-) Sound good?

You can still share the excitement with your pals and family so they can try to win, too (hey, maybe they'll give it to you if they win and you don't) ;-)

So, just leave a comment on today's blog post. That's it. You have until 12 midnight (EST) on Monday, December 13th to enter. We'll draw a lucky winner then and announce next week.

Be sure to check out last year's mention of this book for a peek at some BEAUTIFUL illustrations: "One Wintry Night".

Marvelous Monday:Taking Control of Holiday Get Togethers

Ideas for kids:
For the past three years I have done a Christmas Cookie play group for my son. Well, every year I am cleaning up sprinkles all season long and not to mention the icing that creates a nice film over my kitchen floors. I had to ask myself is the 5 minutes of kid fun worth months of cleaning up remnants? Not really is the answer! This year I am taking a different approach and thought I would share. I am going to make these fun hot chocolate cupcakes and the kids can have another kind of fun for 5 minutes, eating them. This way I am done with the wrapping of cookies, cleaning up of cookies, and distributing of cookies at this play group. I may even get to talk to some of the moms. Here is the fun recipe from one of the magazines I bought from tanga.com. (This is a great place for discount magazines and I have loved the 4 holiday editions I got this season to inspire me to be a better mom by being better to myself. ):Sweet Holiday Cakes

Ideas for Adults:
We are hosting a Regift White Elephant Party. This is where everyone brings a regifted item with no tag of who it is from and then we draw numbers and take turns picking up the presents and deciding if we want to gamble at a new regifted item or take anothers that has already been rewrapped. This makes no hardship on yourself to bring 2 new gender friendly items. The game really is a funny joke to see who can get the worst gift and not the best:White Elephant Game Rules

The second thing is to only serve dessert and provide all the food yourself. My husband and I host multiple parties through the year and the last one we hosted, everyone left with half full dishes and I thought...these women probably spent that afternoon making these items and it was total food overload. I know I get to talking so much sometimes I forget to eat:) Providing the food would cut down on the returning of dishes that get left and the discussions of who is leaving what. So that our guests truly have a relaxing time as a guest at this party, my husband and I will have a date night the weekend before and make all of our favorite desserts.

Ideas for Family Gatherings:
Allllll along the line in my 11 years of marriage, family gatherings have included food. What a nice treat it would be to meet out somewhere for dinner instead of a home.

OR

If there are kids galore, another fun idea would be a play house such as Monkey Joes. The kids can gather in the game area and the adults can actually talk. To make this even better, instead of swapping gifts with all the kids, tell them this IS the gift. You will have cut down on time shopping, wrapping, and traveling with gifts. Build-a-Bear is another fun idea as well (Build-A-Bear).

Have fun celebrating with friends and family. I hope that these suggestions can make for a better holiday season for all MOMMIES!

Love,
Imogene

SAHS: Part 2-Christmas Decorating

Be sure to enjoy Catherine's Savory Smackerel, Russian Tea, on our 1st SAHS post! While you're sipping away with her, maybe you want to begin decorating, decorate a little more or even put on your finishing touches.

I wanted to remind you of this Christmas post from last year because it includes some of my favorite Christmas DIY ideas. Click here.


Most recently, my 3 year old and I put Imogene's great decorating idea from here to use and made this wreath for my daughter's bedroom door from some balls that we found in the dollar section at Target. It's the perfect wreath for a children's bedroom door and it only cost $2 (we already had the wreath in our Christmas decorating box). Thanks for the idea, Imogene!


Happy Decorating and Happy Saturday!
Hannah

Stay at Home Saturday: Depends on how you look at it...

Ever since the gigantic green recycle bin got delivered to my home, I’ve been a recycling lunatic. So much so, I crammed too much into it this past week and the recycle truck spilled half of the contents on the street. Lovely.



The high school boy who bagged my groceries got a little too enthusiastic in his bagging capabilities and put 27 too many cans in a PLASTIC bag that ended up ripping as I took it out of my trunk. My foot has a nice gash on it where the yams landed. Lovely.



There is a lizard that has taken up residence in our garage and he scares me out of my mind every time I walk to the passenger side of the car. Lovely.



The icicle lights decided to burn out in the very middle of the strand after they were hung above the garage. We don’t even look like the Griswald’s at this point. Lovely.



My one year old got into the Whoopie Pies I bought from the school bake sale and ate all of them. My refrigerator and child are now chocolate and cream covered. Lovely.



But you know what else? I baked a hot blue cheese and bacon dip as a surprise for my husband and he loved it! Every time we turn on the Christmas lights on the tree, my boys squeal with delight. I discovered some cooked and shredded chicken in my freezer that will cut my dinner preparation down exponentially and I found my Russian Spiced Tea Mix recipe of which I have all the ingredients happily sitting in my pantry. My four year old got a great report from school (not to mention he actually sang and did a few of the hand motions in the preschool choir musical), all of the socks that have been doing a disappearing act were discovered stuffed behind the baby’s crib and I have enough garland to decorate the mantle without having to make an additional trip to the craft store. Our family Christmas photo was captured just before the batteries in the camera died and I might have the next award winning Apple Danish recipe sitting on my kitchen counter.

No matter how I choose to look at my day, God is good and I am blessed.

Here’s a little recipe to warm your heart as you look back on your day:

Russian Spiced Tea Mix
½ c. instant tea mix
¾ c. sugar
7 oz. jar of Tang
1 three ounce package of presweetened lemonade mix (Wylers or Country Time)
1 t. cinnamon
½ t. ground cloves

Mix all of the above ingredients together and store in a sealable container so your child can’t open it as he hurls it across the living room. Add 2-3 teaspoons to a mug of hot water and enjoy.

Love,
CC – the musing foodie :)

Live Webcast

OK, all you shoebox packers!

If you want to see what happens to your shoebox after you drop it off, hear some TOP NOTCH Christmas music from none other than the Tommy Coomes Band and maybe even shed a tender tear after hearing real life Shoebox stories, be sure to join us for the LIVE webcast tomorrow (Thursday) morning at 10 am online here. It's the Operation Christmas Child Community Celebration comin' to ya live from the Charlotte, NC shoebox processing center. If you keep your eyes peeled, you just might spot a familiar face or two AND your very own shoebox. Maybe you remember this face in the video below from here? See you at 10!