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

Train Up Tuesday: What's in THE Name?

I LOVE Isaiah 9:6 and this print is a beauty! (Be sure to head over to jonesdesigncompany.com where you can download this print in this color and a blue/gray version)

This verse is often quoted at Christmastime, and appropriately so. It's no wonder that it is used in Advent readings, as well. Speaking of which, this week marks the first week of Advent! If you are looking for appropriate Advent readings, BillyGraham.org has a GREAT series.

Are you also looking for ways to teach your children about the names of God? There are plenty of great resources out there, I'm sure, but I adore the site: Impress Your Kids. She has SO many ideas that are great for every day, but she has helped shaped our family in great ways with activities, lessons, and even the homemade gift below!

Homemade Gift (#3)
Last year, I saw a great tutorial on Impress Your Kids on how to cut out your own letters, apply them to a canvas, paint over it, and VOILA! make a beautiful personalized painting.



Amanda at Impress Your Kids used a favorite quote from the Jesus Storybook Bible (which you know I LOVE). I used it for one of my "Want, Need, Wear, Read" gifts (the "Read" one) by combining the names of my 3 boys into a painting along with the verse that inspired their names. It turned out beautifully (the picture isn't great...had to snap it at night with low light):



It really was a simple project (and inexpensive). I used a canvas from Goodwill that I painted over. I was able to complete this project over the course of a couple days' worth of naptimes (with 3 boys, that's the only way I could do it!) It's well worth your time and makes a great impact! I hope to make more in the future for family birthdays and such.

You could even use the idea for the Isaiah 9:6 verse! How lovely that would be. :)

Enjoy your countdown!
Ashlie

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

$10 for $50 of Christmas Cards AND $0 for $75 worth of Comfort Food

I'm sure many of you may already receive Living Social's daily deals. If not, you definitely want to sign up now! Today's deal is all the reason you need. You know how we love VistaPrint on the Roof, right?!?!? Well, right now you can get $50 worth of VistaPrint love for  only $10! I don't know about you but I'm thinking Christmas Cards!!!! The fine print says you need to use this deal by November 22 so my goal is to have my act together in the Christmas Card department (pictures taken, card done) and order those babies up early. Then, I won't be a procrastinator, won't have to pay more than the cards themselves for expedited shipping and can actually get them out before New Years. I know, I know. I sound so ambitious. It's easy to sound that way in August. You know as well as me that the proof is in the puddin, it's where the rubber meets the road, what other cliche can I come up with? So if you, too, at least want to feel ambitious in August, get your Christmas cards in August for only $10 today by going here now.

Next up..food. I know how ya'll LOVE comfort food, free stuff and to bless your friend's hearts. What's better than $75 worth of comfort food that you don't have to make?


Truth is, it will only be a matter of time before you fall in the category of either needing your own heart blessed and/or feeling like you should bless somebody else's heart...which means ALL of you need to go here pronto to enter the $75 Comfort Food {Giveaway!} courtesy of Sympathy Food. I think I mentioned the other day that this site, (Finding Hope), is one of my new babies so it would be great if you wanted to help me with any feedback and spread the word about it!

Train Up Tuesday: Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy! Some Thrifty Fun for Boys!

Okay, so not just for boys ;-) (I would have been all about these ideas during my tom-boy years....oh wait, I'm STILL a tom-boy!).

I know you've probably seen posts about the free Lowe's Build & Grow Clinics for kids, but you REALLY should take your kiddos to these! They are totally free (we've been to 3 and no money so far)! My two big boys have so far made a windmill putt-putt toy, a 4th of July waving flag stand, and a tow-truck (reminds them of "Mater"). The next class is scheduled for this Saturday (July 23rd, 10am in our area).


I think they are making binoculars, which sounds pretty interesting. When you sign up your kiddo for the first time, get them there early so they can get a free apron and goggles. They also receive a certificate and a badge (for the apron) each time they complete a project. What fun! They do actually sell the Build & Grow kits in the store, which is still good for doing things together, but it's hard to pass up on FREE. So, sign up for a class soon!

The boys are having some great Daddy time, and Daddy is having some great boy time! I'm hoping to coax the boys into using some of their handmade items as gifts for their cousins for birthdays or Christmas. I'm sure we'll be running out of room to put 2 of each of these items.

Image by ParentingPress.com

This next idea I'm so excited to share with you. What kid doesn't love a good fort...rainy day or not?! A great gal-pal of mine thought of me (don't you love when someone "thinks of you" and actually gets it right?!) when she saw this post by Emily at Salt Water Kids on a fort building kit. Basically, it is everything you need to build a sheet fort bundled nicely for gift-giving. Wouldn't that be a most awesome gift to give or receive?! Be sure to check the sidebar on the sight for more fort ideas and some other cool homemade gift-giving ideas. I'm becoming her follower ASAP!

So, with 3 boys, I'm always looking for good, wholesome, thrifty fun. If you have a favorite blog or idea, PLEASE post in the comments!

Free-for-all Friday: Mompreneur~SoupKids' Custom Covers

We LOVE Mompreneurs here on the Roof and we love to support them. Today is devoted to an amazing Mompreneur and her cutie patootie creations.

Ladies, meet Kristin Campbell of SoupKids (get it? Campbell Soup. I tell you what~she's good!). Kristin is a dedicated, genuine, nurturing, determined, comical, infectious wife, mom of three and friend. In fact, she was the very first friend I met on my very first day of college waaaay back when we were 18 and her friendship has been a blessing to me ever since.

Kristin has always been creative and taken her ideas to "the next level" no matter what they are. When she taught herself to sew, I knew she wouldn't stop there...and she didn't. As she birthed her new talent alongside three beautiful children, she also began the venture of SoupKids- classic, customized creations for children. You can ask my college sisterhood just how delighted we've been-especially about her mad monogramming skillz. I don't think one single one of the sisterhood's collective 40 children ranging from birth to elementary age have gotten past infancy without a SoupKids monogram or creation. We Southern girls are thrilled for the legacy to continue as long as our children will allow!

Clearly, I could go on and on but I'm excited to share SoupKids' most unique custom item. I think this is definitely my fav of Kristin's brilliant ideas. It is also one I get asked about pretty much everywhere I go--her custom covers. Kristin has multiple fabrics that you can select to cover your car seat, bouncy seat or high chair OR you may send her your fabric of choice if you wish. She will make a cover to fit your item and finish that baby off with a coordinating monogram. Here are just a few examples:

These covers have a two in one benefit. They make your baby equipment more appealing to the eye AND keep them protected from stains leaving them virtually spotless which makes them PRIME Craigslist inventory later!

If you are interested in your own personal SoupKids creation or need a FABULOUS gift, email Kristin at kcampbell84(at)nc(dot)rr(dot)com. Her going rate for the car seat cover is $68.00 if she provides the fabric. However, Kristin wanted to show the ladies of the Roof some love and if you tell her we sent you, she will give you a 10% discount! She's sweet like that. :) So, order up and share your SoupKids creations with us!

Here's to MomPreneurs! Happy Friday!

Marvelous Monday: Deals for Dad

Hey gals! Father's day is less than 2 weeks away. Have you already found something for your guy (or Dad, Step-dad, Grandfather, etc.)?

I think men can be tough to buy for in general. My husband groans when he sees so many "suggestions" for gifts for men. More often than not, they are dust catchers and silly desk-top knick-knacks that have no real meaning or value.

One thing that I have seen make the men in my life light up are things made with photos of my boys or our family. We did calendars with photos on each month for a couple Christmases and the year we didn't do one, my father-in-law did not do a good job concealing his disappointment. I often wrack my brain trying to come up with something. Most of the men in my life don't wear ties or other accessories. They don't have hobbies for which I can buy. What to do, what to do?!

Then, a few weeks ago (Memorial Day weekend), I received an email from Vista Print about a GREAT deal on their items AND 3 day shipping for orders over $50. Now, we already know that our own Hannah here on the roof is a fan ;-). So, I thought I'd see what I could do. Well, I am MORE than happy with what I received! (*WARNING! IF YOU ARE A MAN IN MY FAMILY< STOP READING!!!! ;-) ) For $50, I got 3 personalized t-shirts, (here is one of them)

a keychain of me and my love,

A HUGE magnet,


A reusable outdoor banner (I have 3 boys, so this one will get used LOTS)

I also bought a small stamp with my oldest son's name (he loves stamping, so this will be a gift for him later) and some hanger things for the birthday banner. Not a bad deal, eh? I could have spent less if I had not uploaded photos for the gifts. Some items are even free! There are other designs you can personalize with text and no personal graphic. Check out Vista Print often, get on their mailing list for great deals. Once you try it, you'll probably be hooked! ;-)

Also, if you need a great Father's Day card, Tiny Prints has a deal that ends tomorrow - cards for 99 cents and FREE shipping if you have it sent to your home. You can personalize them with your own photos! A great deal for a card, for sure! The code is "fday99" to get his deal.

Hope you score some fun gifts!
Ashlie

Thrifty Thursday: Free Baby Carrier

Some of you may have gotten in on the free nursing cover deal we posted here. If you are expecting, have your own munchkins to carry around or need a baby gift, there is a similar deal for a FREE baby carrier!

To get in on this offer, go here, add the carrier of choice to your cart, enter the promo code FAMILY2011 and all you will need to do is pay shipping. Note: you will save additional $$$ if you remove the "size exchange insurance fee."

This is for a limited time and there are limited quantities so you may want to hurry and take advantage of this $48 value special offer!

Marvelous Monday: FREE Subscription to Thriving Family!

First off, let me say that bloggers are greatly encouraged by comments. Some days comments can be slim pickins here on the Roof but THAT'S OK! We don't need affirmation to still have a heart for you~women just like us (cough. cough...unless perhaps the Spirit moves you to turn over a new leaf...cough...cough). Yesterday, however, I was blessed by a sweet email from a sweet friend saying that she got a lot out of yesterday's article from Thriving Family because it was something she has really been working on. So, Praise the Lord!

Did you get a lot out of the article? Are you interested in Thriving Family for your own home?

What's Marvelous about this Monday is it can be yours~for FREE! That's right. You heard me. Focus on the Family is partnering with Christianbook.com and offering you a free one year subscription (6 issues) to Thriving Family magazine.

Go straight here to get yours! They also have a gift option so you can also send a friend a surprise gift while you're at it! They'll love it and not to share TMI but it's GREAT bathroom reading material. :)



Couple items of business that we've mentioned on the RWAV Facebook page but want you to know about:

• In a few minutes @ 11:00 am, Glenda of Wednesday with The Word is going to have a live online interview on Grace Cafe. Click here to listen.
• Marvelous Monday's Angela ( also of Clipsy Chicks) is currently teaching several Save-inars in the Atlanta area. If you are interested in attending or hosting one, visit the Clipsy Chicks blog for the new Save-inar request form and the current Save-inar schedule.

If you want to stay updated on "more fun with women of Roof with a View", be sure to "like" us on Facebook while you're there and we'll keep you posted!

Marvelous Monday: It's a VistaPrint Valentine's!

You've been introduced to VisaPrint here. Meanwhile, I have a busy month coming up and am trying to dot my "i"s and cross my "t"s. This includes getting ready for Valentine's Day!

When I think of getting ready for Valentine's for my child, I automatically remember those little Valentine's cards that you pass out to your classmates. Instead of getting a pack for $5 at the drugstore, why not get them personalized (even better) and for FREE from VistaPrint?!??! I took VP up on their free premium business cards and ordered my daughter the cutest little Valentine cards w/ cupcakes AND her name printed on them. It so happens they come in quantities of 250 cards so I guess we'll be blessing boookooos of peeps this year OR I'll be set with Valentine notes for several years to come. Nothing like planning ahead!

I also created and ordered this cutie patootie banner to go on our mantle (again...for free)! I've ordered a birthday banner from VistaPrint before and their banners are a nice,durable vinyl that you can keep for multiple occasions.

You can also remember teacher's gifts! I know Teacher Appreciation is coming up at our school so I ordered some great personalized items for my daughter's teachers along w/ the set of 25 magnets as a treat to go along w/ the Valentine cards.

Share some of your VP creations with us! We can never have tooooo many helpful ideas.

Happy Monday, ya'll!

Love,

Hannah

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

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

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

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

Happy Tuesday~Adoption and Super HOT deals!

So it's Tuesday and this post definitely isn't a Training up Tuesday. For that, I refer you to Karen's video on celebrating adoption-a topic which I would love for her to share more candidly with you. I love her story and know it would speak to so many of you. Many of you may also have her own story to share in the celebration of adoption.

In the meantime, I know the ladies of the Roof loooooove some deals and I just ran across a couple that you may not want to miss with Christmas fast on our heels. I don't usually watch the Today Show but my mom called me first thing this morning to share some super HOT deals.

If you are a Today show faithful, you're probably familiar with Jill's Steals and Deals. A couple of today's steals and deals which happen to be available for 24 hours (until Wed. morning) are this suhweeeet coat which is normally $75 and marked down to $15! Be sure to see the size chart b/c I think it runs on the small side.

This cashmere sweater from Talbots that is normally $119 and marked down to 24.95 only w/ the Today show coupon code.

...and check out this hot 14 K gold cuff bracelet that is normally $60 and marked down to $12. What a great gift!


Just go through the Today show link and they'll give you alllll the details. Let us know what you score!

Train Up Tuesday: Preserving the Past and Present

Okay, confession time! I am the “crafty one” in the family. I’m ALWAYS looking for something fun to do with my boys...partly because I want to do it, too ;-) Since I’m the “crafty one”, I also wonder if I will be forgotten on important days like Mother’s Day, my birthday, Valentine’s day. I am always hoping for something homemade from my kids (okay, they are way too young to come up with all these great ideas themselves...so I usually hope dad or a grandparent want to guide my boys into making something for me). Sometimes, I even have them (I mean, encourage them to) work on something for me. Is that sick or what?!

So, in honor of Mother’s Day, I will share a fun idea with you that I stumbled across last year. I't something you can do to put a smile on your face as a mom - an interview you do with your child that has opened ended questions (as in...finish the sentence). I did it with my then 3 1/2 year old and loved the result so much that I repeated it for Father’s Day (see, I share the love and homemade goodness with others!). You can get a great list of such questions on Let's Explore or you can come up with your own, I’m sure.

Here are a few answers from my now 4 1/2 year old:

I really love it when my mom “takes me places like to the library and playing in the play area there, or to Discovery Place, the beach, and the Disney Store.”

My mom always tells me, “It’s nap time.” (Those words are music to my ears)

The best thing she does is “make special things for me to eat like that cuckoo clock sandwich.” (Followed by a “hey mom, will you make one of those again for me tomorrow?”)

When my mom shops she likes to buy “pork chops.” (I have no idea why he would say that...obviously, he never sees me go shopping for enjoyment.)

I love my mom because “you cuddle with me and I’m your cuddle bug & you’re my cuddle girl.” (My favorite answer, by far.)

Wouldn’t it be fun to repeat this every year to see the progression in their language and in their ideas?

It’s also a great way to preserve the present, before you forget about it in a few years...and trust me, the cute, funny things they say one day are easily forgotten within a few weeks.

This leads me to part 2 of this week’s entry. My family has recently been inspired and motivated to chase down our family tree (you can, too, quite easily on ancestry.com!). Mine is quite segmented and splintered (adoptions on both sides of my parents’ lines) and my husband’s is getting quite full! The best part of it so far has been learning new things about our families. All that happens when you actually talk to people. Sure we “communicate” quite regularly with many people now days (text, IM, video chat, email, Facebook, etc.), but we so often are missing out on the real stories of people we love...not even really important stories, but stories that are real, nonetheless. My husband recently connected with family members at a funeral. Upon learning of his family tree quest, they sought him out, answered questions he had, and invited us to come over any time. How precious!

I know we think we learn history through textbooks. But most of these dedicate a paragraph to the most important events in life and never tell us how those events impacted our families (generations before us) directly. This has given me a desire to ask my mom questions now and preserve her answers for the future.

me & my Mom, way back when

You will never guess what I found this weekend (at Aldi’s of all places) - a “Mother Tell Me Your Story” Journal. (I couldn’t find this available online, but Amazon has many different varieties of such journals). It starts off like a baby book (name, parents’ names, siblings, toddler years), but then, it gets into more personal questions about childhood, growing up (was she involved in any big issues of their time, what news events made her sad or worry, what was her favorite bands, movies, shows of their time, how has her personality changed/stayed the same from adolescents), questions about mom & dad (how they met, initial thoughts, how they handle marital conflict), starting a family (feelings of pregnancy, parenting goals, handing down traditions, similarities/differences between parent and child, advice for grown children and their families).

Even if you can’t find such a journal, you could still make your own. You will cherish it, and so will future generations, including your children. But that only happens if we make time to preserve it now.

Hope that inspires your Mother’s Day weekend!

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: March GIVEAWAY Winner Announced

Drumroll, please.....

Bbbbbdddddddddddddddddddddd....

The winner of the March Giveaway "Jesus Storybook Bible" is:

The Westmorelands!!!

It looks like you guys will have another JSB to give to someone you love (since you are already big fans). What a great discipleship and evangelistic tool to give to your friends and neighbors!

If you didn't win, I still strongly encourage you to find this wonderful Bible at your local Christian bookstore or order it online. It will be one of the best investments for your family's library - one that you will eagerly pull off the shelves again and again.

Much love,
Ashlie

Train Up Tuesday: Give Away Winners and All about Gifts

I’m excited to announce the winner’s of last week’s give away!

Congratulations to Laura & “the monkey’s mama”! You’ll be getting this book soon. I know you’ll enjoy it.

If you already have the book and are blown away by the amazing art, please check out http://richardjessewatson.com/galleryprints.htm to purchase a print. What a beautiful item to have hanging in your home year round!

This week, I thought I’d share some gift ideas for those of you who need to buy for little ones. It seems easy enough - “just buy them a toy!” But so many children end up with toys that they never play with. Here are some suggestions based on my own observations:

1. The toys that have been around forever have been around forever because children actually like them! Things like hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, crayons, balls, blocks, cars, trains, wooden toys, puzzles, classic board games, marbles. There is a reason why they can be found in most stores. Each of those items are the toys my boys have played with the most.
2. The number one toy this year may only get played with this year (or maybe for only a few weeks!). Similar to point #1. Fads are fads. The silly jump around Elmo toy or high tech gadget this year will be passe next year. And your child will realize it, too. These types of toys often loose their novelty quickly.
3. The less a toy does, the more a child will play with it. (Also known as “keep it simple”). I can’t remember where I heard or read that, but I’ve found it to be true. The toys that light up and move on their own often get lost in a sea of similar toys (especially boys’ toys!). As my babies are becoming toddlers and preschoolers, I’ve noticed they often select the non-animated toys for their pretending.
4. Select toys that are natural (like wood or metal) and beautiful. I think I came across that point in a Montessori blog. I’ve noticed that even with small children, they tend to grasp and caress items that have a natural quality (wood, metal, fabrics) as opposed to plastic. These toys carry a natural charm and beauty to them. They even make a playroom more beautiful.
5. Books are a great gift! They inspire imagination, creativity, and pretend play. They can teach ideas and values. You can’t go wrong with a good book.
6. Never underestimate the everyday items. I know it sounds bizarre, but children often like the simple household items - spoons, spatulas, small vacuums or cleaning items, scarves (my boys LOVE playing with my silky scarves), old clothing items for dress up, boxes, baskets, magnets (be careful with these for very small children...choking hazards). My babies both enjoyed baskets of small household items.

Do more than try to simply “WOW” them with the latest toy in throw-away packaging. Learn what they really want and enjoy.

Gift Receiving

Inevitably, your child will receive a gift he or she doesn’t particularly care for (remember Ralphie’s Bunny Suit from “A Christmas Story”?). I came across a great game that you could play this week with the kiddos to encourage being grateful for “the thought” that went into their gift. Check it out:

http://familyfun.go.com/magazine/familyfun-magazine-archive/familyfun-december-january-2010/the-art-of-gratitude-807117/

A Stocking or a Shoebox?

Several years ago, my husband and I started packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Once I got the knack of it, I started collecting things on sale throughout the year and storing them. As my oldest child (“Sunshine”) grew into toddler years, he began to notice these items and ask questions about them. Last year, “Sunshine” asked if he and his brother could have a shoebox. I LOVED the idea. We are doing that now instead of traditional stockings. It provides opportunity to talk about why we do shoeboxes and a reminder on Christmas night to pray for those who will be receiving our boxes.

Ultimately, don’t sweat over gifts for the kids. Don’t try to over impress them. Keep it simple and sweet. Teach them what really matters with gift-giving and gift-receiving; and keep an eye open for those teachable moments.

Much love,

Ashlie

Uh Oh, It's Magic!

In case you haven't heard (I hadn't until just last month), let me tell you about this amazing product--Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original. It is awesome!

When we were at the beach, Kate ended up sitting on some crayons in our rental home's booster seat. Well, needless to say, said crayons left quite a few marks on the seat that I could not get out with the cleaning products we had on hand. Just when I thought we might lose part of our deposit (running joke all week) ... family members put my mind at ease with talk of this Mr. Clean Magic Eraser product. I was intrigued.

The family picked up a package of these magic erasers at a local store, and I soon went to work on the booster seat. And just like that ... *poof* ... the crayon markings were gone. It was like ... well ... magic!

Fast forward a few weeks. We are back at home. One morning, I think Kate is happily watching a video in her room. I am doing some things around the house, and she seems to be very content and very quiet. After all, she does love her Little People DVDs. Well ... she loves them all right ... but she also loves to wander. And wander is what she did on this particular day ... right into our room, the door to which I had mistakenly left open.

When I found her, she was on our bed, Sharpie in hand. SHARPIE IN HAND! That is not good, folks. A Sharpie and a toddler do not mix well. Kate loves to draw, and she went to town with that Sharpie ... on our sheets ... on our wall ... on my cedar chest. But the worst of it was on the counter top that is directly behind our headboard. It was bad. Real bad.

And it was with a Sharpie.

Whoo-boy. I didn't know whether to laugh or to cry. I decided to laugh (it was partly my fault, after all) and immediately got out that Mr. Clean Magic Eraser package from the beach. I could not believe my very eyes when the Sharpie was starting to come off. Seriously, I couldn't believe it. I did have to scrub and use lots of elbow grease, but it worked! YAY!

I got pretty much all of the Sharpie markings off of the counter top--the sheets, the wall and the cedar chest are a different story. But at least those were minor compared to the artwork that was removable.

I highly recommend Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original. Go ahead and pick up a package before you need it. You won't be sorry. This would make a nice gift for moms everywhere, too. Happy Cleaning!


A "BEFORE" shot. This photo shows just part of Kate's Sharpie artwork on the counter top that is directly behind our headboard.


And ... AFTER! Look how clean! To put the erasers to use, simply wet and squeeze out excess water. Then go to town. (This is just my opinion. Please use according to the manufacturer's directions. Thank you.) The more you scrub, the smaller and crumblier (for lack of a better word) the eraser will become. (See photo--the eraser piece on the right has obviously been used more than the one on the left.)


Mr. Clean is the man behind that shine!