Posted in family
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A friend recently posted about things they do as a family for Christmas. So, I thought this would be the perfect time to share my own. There are many things we do this time of year that I would classify as a 'family tradition' but there is one that I'm so glad we implemented. The first year we were married I had read an article about a military family who, being low on funds, had adopted this tradition. At the time funds weren't low but I was very discouraged with how commercialized Christmas had become. I was looking for a way to downsize Christmas without giving up gift-giving all together. When I told my husband my idea, he was all for it. Now that our family is much bigger, it helps financially to know I won't go overboard. It's plain and simple. 3 gifts. Jesus received 3 gifts from the wise men and in turn we give each of our children 3 gifts, to remind them of the true meaning of Christmas. If you ask them, they know exactly why we do this. They know we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. The focus then turns to gift-giving instead of gift-receiving. I love hearing their ideas for something my husband might like or even one of their siblings. And they're usually right on. Over the years I have realized there are added benefits to this tradition.
This is one tradition I'm so glad we started. I'd love to hear some of yours. We're always looking to make new memories with our kids. ~Kristine |
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I have always believed - and even shared with my children - that "mistakes are ok as long as you learn from them". If you don't learn then why or what needs to change for you to learn from the mistake? It always seemed like a fairly easy lesson to teach my children. Then our youngest entered the picture She is a joy, a blessing, and a delight........but sometimes she's far from easy. I'll give you a little background. She's been walking since she was 8 months old and it opened up a whole word of things to get into. I know this sounds normal, but for us it feels a little extreme. All our other children were quiet, compliant, and yes, even easy. I call her "Joy" - that's what she brings with her. Joy also tests my limits. She's a climber.......climbs on couches, up bunk bed ladders, tables, and more. No matter how many times she's told 'no' and removed from the object she's scaling she will jump right back at it in no time flat. Almost 2 weeks ago she was sitting at the kitchen table with one of her older sisters. I thought they were coloring nicely until I heard the bang. She decided to try to reach across the table for something and her foot slipped of the table bench. When she fell she hit the kitchen chair before the floor. She actually broke her collar bone (remember she's only 17 months old). Since that happened 12 days ago (but who's counting) she has fallen from the same bench 3 more times - one of those times actually landing on her bad arm. I'm just wondering when she's going to learn from this? I'm so glad she brings us joy......when she's not climbing of course.
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One of our vacation days we took the kids to StoryLand in NH. I knew they were the perfect age & it would be a fun day. My girls are definately girly girls. They play dress up, pretend they're at the ball, and much, much more. When they met Cinderella they were quick to point out why this lady was "not the real Cinderella". They gave me an entire list of things the park had done wrong with picking out their version of this princess, but for some reason they were not bothered in the least by this imposter. They enjoyed meeting her and getting their picture taken with her but, to my surprise, the hightlight of their day was getting to ride in the pumpkin coach. Maybe it was because in all of their imaginative play they had never been able to experience it for real. Whatever their reason I will never forget their excitement.
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Posted in family
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I always look forward to summer. I picture it as a time to relax & enjoy the kids, the great outdoors, and some great family fun. For some reason this summer seems more hectic than others & I thought I had cleared our schedules pretty well. I think some of it is because of my pregnancy. I feel sicker with this baby than with any of my other children. I am NOT complaining. (God showed me something many years ago with one of my other children & therefore I will never complain about being pregnant). I just seem to lack the energy it takes to get involved in the things I wanted to do this summer. Then a friend of mine, who owns a Christian school, asked me if I would come in and teach the kids how to crochet this summer. How can I turn that down, right? This week my husband is away for work & the kids are at VBS. By the end of the week I need to have all 7 of us packed so we can leave for vacation early Saturday morning. (No pressure!) I am so looking forward to a vacation where we can all just take a step back, stop running around, and enjoy each others company. |
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I am happy to announce we are expecting another bundle of joy to add to our clan. I could not be happier. And to make the news even better I'm due on my birthday. I am truly blessed with a wonderful brood and I am looking forward to what this new little life will add to our family. Prayers are always welcome. I have had a couple of miscarriages, one of which was twins, and I've had some difficult deliveries, but God has been faithful. I'm looking forward to my ultrasound on Wednesday just to confirm a heartbeat. Then I will sleep a little easier.
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