Brocade Home

I was just introduced to the new home and lifestyle catalog, Brocade Home. I saw the mirror and was hooked, then saw the ottoman and was double-hooked.

she's growing up...

I'm watching bedroom design for kids pretty closely right now because I'm in the middle of putting together Gabrielle's big-girl room and I seem to be unable to move forward. It appears I am stuck in a "used to be a delightful nursery-but now my changing table is gone, my crib is replaced with a delicious sleigh bed-and my mommy changed from white furniture to cherry-mode-and then just stopped". (did i mention i don't have adequate storage? you can imagine the stacks and piles....ahhhhh)

My usual sources as far as bedding goes seem a little been there, done that, or a little too sterile or just not quite what I'm looking for. Mostly this is because I don't know quite what I'm looking for. But Bombay Kids sent a mailer featuring the Gigi collection above and I was delighted. The ruffled bedskirt, the floral lights, the curtains, the chandelier. The whole thing is kind of messy and over the top. I love it all. Plus the prices seem fairly reasonable.

I don't know if it's quite right for my girl's room — and I'm not one to buy a whole-set-as-pictured-in-a-catalog — but it has me inspired to move ahead.
focus. Lisa. focus.

Hammock for baby...

This picture is beautiful.
And I like the idea of a hanging crib. I think I would like it even more without the tripod — just a simple bassinet hanging in the corner near a window. (Except that my older daughter would treat it as a swing!)

Happy New Year....2008 Here We Come!

Mary, Did You Know?

Without fail, every time I watch this video I get tears in my eyes.
The feelings these images and lyrics evoke are powerful, yet tender.
It is the perfect reminder of the true meaning of the Christmas season.

Merry Christmas!

Give the gift of love this Christmas...

1 Corinthians 13

A Christmas Version
[ author unknown ]

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family ... I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family ... I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family ... it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choirs cantata but do not focus on Christ ... I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug a child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband, Love is kind, even though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens ...

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in the giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Amen.

Counting my blessings ...

Have you noticed that Jesus sometimes gets lost in the hustle and bustle of His birthday celebration? It's hard not to be captivated by gifts and glitter this time of year. Amid the toys and trimmings, how can you teach your child the true meaning of Christmas? To be able to create a tradition for your children is one of the best gifts you can give [and receive]. I love the classic Frosty & Santa & Rudolph as much as the next guy [especially while celebrating through the eyes of my 2 and a half year old over and over (and over!) again ] ... BUT... overall the meaning of Christmas has been lost and corrupted in our society. It is very sad. Below are some ideas on how to include Jesus while celebrating this year:

1. Start a family tradition of reading the story of Jesus' birth. You'll find the account in the second chapter of the book of Luke in the Bible. Even younger children will understand much of the story, and their questions can lead to family conversations about the deeper meaning of Christmas.
2. Listen to and sing Christmas music that focuses on the reason for the season. Kids will never tire of "Jingle Bells" or "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," and songs about Santa are part of the holiday fun. But the simple melodies of "Away in a Manger" and "Silent Night" and the exuberance of "Joy to the World" will have your children singing about the Christ child and the impact of his birth. Make these songs part of a family sing-along for a tradition your children will remember all their lives. Or try the Cedarmont Kids' albums Christmas Favorites and Christmas Carols.
3. Involve your kids in displaying a Nativity scene. If you're nervous about exposing your heirloom Nativity to little hands, check out Fisher Price's Little People Deluxe Christmas Story. Consider combining this tradition with reading the Christmas story, having your children place each figure in the scene at the appropriate point in the story.
4. Light the candles of an Advent wreath during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. Advent literally means "coming" and is observed in many churches in anticipation of Jesus' birth. The wreath includes four candles - usually three purple and one pink - that are lit in sequence throughout the Advent period. The first week, light one purple candle. The second week, light two. The third week, light two purple candles and the pink candle. The final week before Christmas, light all four candles. Light the candles as a family, and incorporate a song like "O Come, O Come Immanuel" or a reading from a devotional such as Let Every Heart: A Family Devotional for the Advent Season or my personal favorite: this charming book called The Adventure of Christmas: Helping children find Jesus in our holiday traditions.
   
5. Attend a Christmas pageant or concert at an area church. Your holiday viewing is sure to include classics like Frosty the Snowman and A Christmas Story. Consider adding a live performance that emphasizes the spiritual significance of Christmas.

Baby it's cold outside ....

Okay, I openly admit I'm sort of obsessed about Christmas stockings. Especially knit handmade ones.... If you're still hunting for a good idea for this year or next, here is another photo I found super inspiring.

I love the idea of collecting a variety of stockings. Some hand-knit. Some woven. Some simple. Some with texture. When you see and fall-in-love with a particular stocking you could buy one, instead of enough for the whole family. Maybe pick up one from Sundance catalog. Or something pretty in a Christmas clearance sale ... and if you really want to have some fun visit The Sterling Pear.

I also love the look of stockings as part of the overall Christmas decorations in a home. At our house, I know we can't hang 7 stockings legitimately [!]. But why not display a row of 11 or 15 that we've collected over the years? On Christmas Eve, the kids could each pick their favorite to have Santa fill.

Whew! Finished my Christmas shopping today!

Have child-like faith...

No matter our age, we should never allow childlike joy in Christmas to be stifled, because Jesus personally identifies with and takes pleasure in the feelings of children. "Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me"
(Matthew 18:5)

Prayer for my child...

This prayer was emailed to me and I want to share it with all parents and grandparents. I hope you like it as much as I do!

I come to You in Jesus name and give (name of child) to You.
I'm convinced that You alone know what is best for him/her.
You alone knowwhat he/she needs.
I release him/her to You to care for and protect,
and I commit myself to pray for everything concerning him/her
that I can think of or that You put upon my heart.

Teach me how to pray and guide me in what to pray about.
Help me not to impose my own will when I'm praying for him/her,
but rather enable me to pray that Your will be done in his/her life.
Thank You that I can partner with You in raising him/her and that I
don't have to rely on the world's unreliable and ever-changing
methods for child rearing, but that I can have clear directions from
Your Word and wisdom as I pray to You for answers.

Thank You, Lord, for the precious gift of this child.
Because Your Word says that every good gift comes from You,
I know that You have given him/her to me to care for and raise.
Help me do that.
Show me places where I continue to hang on to him/her and
enable me to release him/her to Your protection, guidance, and counsel.
Help me not to live in fear of possible dangers,
but in the joy and peace of knowing that You are in control.
I rely on You for everything, and this day I trust my child to You
and release him/her into Your hands.

~By Stormie Omartian

how is it already mid-december?

“How did it get so late so soon?

Its night before its afternoon.
December is here before its June.
My goodness how the time has flewn.
How did it get so late so soon?”
Dr. Seuss

Merry Christmas!

Don't send a generic Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

Looky Here ...

Check out this great link to Looky Book. A great new site that lets you view childrens' books online — cover to cover. Seriously. Every page. What a brilliant idea and useful tool. Check it out. It's still in beta and I'm sure their collection of books is growing fast.

The Son of God became a man... So that men could become the sons of God.

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In the midst of a world living in spiritual darkness,
walk as a child of the light!

I just received some beautiful news today from one of my
long-time dearest friends concerning their salvation ...
I would just like to say (and you know who you are!)
may God bless you as you step out for Him!

It's by God's grace we accomplish anything; "apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). It's by His grace we have talents and abilities. It's by His grace we obtain direction and motivation. In fact, it's by His grace we take our next breath! If God provides all the tools, He certainly deserves ALL the praise. Let's never miss an opportunity to use the gifts God has provided. And when our lives produce fruit, let's never miss an opportunity to give Him all the glory!

Oh God, you continue to answer my prayers and are worthy of all honor and praise. You have done (and continue to do!) wonderful and mighty things in my life. You have poured out your blessings upon me. You have kept your promises and provided me with the way of salvation. Please empower and strengthen me as I continue to commit myself to bless, serve, and encourage others for your glory.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

TEN STEPS FOR THE NEW CHRISTIAN

The Bible is the revelation of God's mind to you. It's what He wants you to know and do. Not only did God give His Son-the Living Word-to save you, He gave His Book-the Written Word-to guide you...

STEPS TO PEACE WITH GOD

"I am the light of the world.
He who follows me shall not walk in darkness,
but have the light of life." (John 8:12)

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mmm Gingerbread Cookies....

Gabrielle and I made yummy Gingerbread Men and decorated them today, fun fun fun!

best life preserver ...

family snowball fight .....

Starring You! eCards on JibJab

Make every meal a work of art ...

Turn toddler meals into masterpieces with Skip Hop's Palette Plate. The splashy set includes three drop-in bowls in aqua, orange and lime that are big enough for lil fingers and microwave safe. Clear covers make transporting food simple and a large surface allows for kids to create their own concoctions. The skid resistant cup area and base makes stumbles and spills a thing of the past. This pretty plate is just the right size for any appetite.

fun and festive ...

These are so fun. I just love 'em. Who doesn't love cute pajamas that make you feel festive?!! J. Crew has some ($45) that are so cute you could almost wear them with a skirt and a sweater for a fashion forward look. Though I'd play it safe and stay cozy in the house.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Pancakes are a weekly treat at our house. [ If it were up to our daughter it would be every single day! ] If your house already feels like a zoo, one cage-free way to tame the chaos is with a fun breakfast And, the Animal Pancake Pan is the wild way to start the day and a good way for your child to brush up on their knowledge of giraffes, lions, monkeys, elephants, rhinos, camels and crocodiles. Lil ones can practice their calls of the wild while filling their stomachs with the most important meal of the day. The $40 skillet makes seven three inch hot cakes at a time making it easy for a mother to feed her pride.

Giving from the heart ....

Today, Gabrielle and I joined about 40 other people in our church singing Christmas carols to our elderly neighbors in nursing homes. They need to know they are loved and not forgotten. What a lovely win-win experience. These kind people in the winter of their lives brightened my life today as much as (I hope!) we brightened theirs. We will definitely do this more often through the years as our little ones grow. Having a lesson in giving from the heart this season is not only a teachable moment, but also a priceless gift for everyone involved. I believe kindness and unselfishness can be nurtured in children through example and encouragement. We all can also experience the simple joy of bringing happiness to others through donation of a little time and effort. My husband and I want to ensure our children recognize Christmas is way more about giving than receiving and this is just another way we will be able to instill that ...

"Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:32

God Jul!

While Chad hung out with Zachary for a Daddy-day, I embraced my nordic roots & attended the Scandinavian Christmas Fair with Gabrielle (she has no idea she’s not Norwegian, ha ha). In this photo she is modeling her littls Santa Lucia crown she made. Had a fabulous time & brought back a ton of memories I cherish of my Gramma Hjordis who seemed to always give our Christmas Eve’s that special Norwegian sparkle, hope to make the ScanFair a holiday tradition for our little family. God Jul!