Nativity #3-The finale of the the Nativity series.

Here it is folks. The final installment of the Wilson Nativity Story.

I do really like this one...okay so I said that about the last two but this one is so neat. It was a gift from my Aunt Nancy when Ty was a baby. I just love it!

 

"An Interactive Ki-Friendly Nativity" 

What GOD wants for Christmas is the name of this Nativity and is such a neat way to teach your child the true meaning of Christmas.

It comes with a book,Nativity back drop and boxes to open each day. The top of the page tells you which box to open. Each box contains a piece of the story.

Here are the boxes:

Days 1, 2 and 3. Gabriel, Mary and Joseph.

Days 4, 5 and 6. Jesus, Shepherd and King/Wise Man.

But the best box is the 7th box and is what God really wants!

No, not a camera, silly! It's a mirror because what God really wants is YOU!!!!!!

The book also gives tips and ideas for using this special Nativity.

And even a website that has reproducibles for your child, class, group to us to help make connections.

What GOD wants for Christmas- Maybe the best Nativity EVER!

13 days to go! only 6 until I start this with my kids.

Nativity #2

Another of my favorite nativities is similar to yesterday's in that they are kid friendly.

Little People Nativity. Who doesn't LOVE Little People?

The Angel sits on top of the stable. So sweet.

What an angelic little face. If Mary saw this face the night God sent His messenger to tell her that she would bear His son, no wonder she wasn't afraid!

Then there's the Wise Men. They are precious.

Look at their gifts. Their sandals. Heaven help me.

And then the main event.

Mary, Baby Jesus, and Joseph. Absolutely adorable. Sweet baby face.
And intermixed is a sheep, donkey, camel and horse.

It's easy to see why this is one of my favorites.

Only 14 days left!

Confessions

I have to admit something. I know by making this confession I run the risk of all sorts of comments telling me how wrong it is for me to feel the way I do.
That being said, here I go...

I don't really care for Nativities.

There. I said it. I feel better getting that off of my chest. And I don't feel bad for saying it.
I can't explain why I feel this way I just do. I've seen some that are very nice but more often than not the ones I see are...well....not so great. Another downside is most are not kid friendly. I am fearful of pieces being broken. I mean, who wants to admit that they broke baby Jesus or wounded an Angel?

As a Christian, though, I get the symbolism they hold and the joy that they should bring us.

So, for the next few days, I will be showing you the Nativities I have in my house.

Tonight is Nativity #1 and quite possibly my favorite.

 

The Very Veggie Nativity

On the top of the stable scene is Laura Carrot as the Angel. When you press her head, the star lights up and she sings a portion of O Little Town of Bethlehem. It's so sweet!

Then you have the Three Kings, Larry the Cucumber, Pa Grape and Mr. Lunt. 3 of my FAVORITE veggies. I can imagine the whole scene with their voices.

These guys go undercover. The Squash are really...

A cow. How cute is that I ask? And see that little Shepherd boy? That's Junior Asparagus. I'm not sure it getting any cuter.

Oh wait, the baby Jesus is a baby carrot. Just got cuter!

By the way, Christmas is only 15 days away. 

WHO CAN STAND THE EXCITEMENT!

 

Oops. I did it again.

I am a day behind.

Today is 20 days to go!

I'm going to bed.
Goodnight.

I blew it.

I totally blew it.

I forgot to post my countdown yesterday.

I know...disappointment is running rampant throughout the followers of the blog.

I'm ashamed and have put myself in timeout.

We are at 20 days to go!

On another note, we successfully moved the big boys downstairs. God help me, they are pretty much on their own down there. Actually, I think it will work out well.

Colby is in his own room now. In his crib.

I have work to do in both areas still but I feel really good about how it's going.

Maybe now I can get my living room situated for a tree!!!!!! Then it will really start feeling like Christmas!


Thinking of making some home made bread tomorrow, too....I may be aiming a little high...

23 Down, 22 to go and Christmas Spirit is high

Christmas is about love.

Christmas is about family and friends.

Christmas is about giving.

Christmas is about sharing.

Christmas is about Jesus.

And I can't help but think of Easter as we look to Christmas. We can't have one with out the other. In one we have the birth of hope.

In the other we have the hope of LIFE!

Take the time to count your blessings. Hug your loved ones. But never neglect the reason for it all. If you have never put much thought into Jesus this time of year I encourage you to do so.

We are all sinners who have been making mistakes every day of our lives but the hope is in the face of a precious baby born in a manger. The hope of a Savior who would one day take my sin upon himself and hang on a cross so that his blood would flow to cover them. A Savior who would walk through Hell itself and find Satan and give him a knock out blow, taking back the keys to death! In Christ, in the baby in Mary's arms, in the boy who helped his Daddy build furniture, in a teen who dared to teach the Priests, in a man who walked on water and turned water in to wine and fed 5000 with just a few loaves of bread and a few fish. And He loves you. Right where you are with all of your baggage, He loves you!

This is where I put my hope. This is where my mind goes to this time of year.

And my hope will forever endure.

Oh gee!

We're down to 23!

Just 23 days left...

24 to go

December 1 is out! PEACE!!

Just 24 days left.

I love Christmas!

Tomorrow is a real big day.

Tomorrow, December 1, marks the real countdown to the BIG SHOW!

The day of the year that children yearn for.

The day parents agonize over.

The day memories are made of.

The day we celebrate the birth of our Savior.

The day we spend cherishing family.

CHRISTMAS!


This lovely video totally reminds me of my childhood Christmas's.

Enjoy!!!

They say to never say "Never"

Remember that Diet Mt. Dew from last night that was sent on a short trip off the table to it's demise?

Yeah. That's the one. 

I replaced it with a smaller one last night. Remember, I had things to accomplish!!

Never again.
Amen.

Wrong. It's just plain wrong.

1. While pregnant and nursing I was a good egg. I limited the amount of caffeine I consumed. While pregnant, I bet I can count on one hand how many times I drank a caffeinated beverage. A tad more while nursing...but only a tad!
I stopped nursing about 1 month ago and have increased only a bit more.

I went overboard tonight...

This.....monstrosity is a Diet Mt. Dew.

My head hurts. It's just not right.


2. My baby is 7 months old.

He's cute, huh?
His eyes.
His cute button nose.
His "ooooooo" mouth.
AH! Who can stand it?

Then there is this...

Step 1: reach sides of bassinet.

Step 2: pull...hard!

Step 3: turn to changing table that mom uses to hold clothes and such because I am too big for it. (note: he is on his knees!!!!)

 

Step 4: Stand.

STAND!!! 

Are you kidding me? He pulled up? TO STANDING??? 

I told you. It's wrong.

Then, even as I was uploading that last picture, while that precious little boy was sitting on my lap it happened.

He knocked my GINORMOUS Diet Mt. Dew off of the side table all over the floor. 

I cried. 

See. It's just plain WRONG!

Time doesn't come cheap

 My name is Stacey and it's been more than a month since I last blogged.

I just can't seem to find the time to sit and write something that I think will interest any readers or myself for that matter.

I supposed I should just pick a topic and go. Or go through my pics and blog about the details around that photo. Or discuss the book I am currently reading. Or how I can chose to be happy and always see the silver lining in life's situations. Or maybe just chat...I don't know.

My kids are entertaining but to be totally honest with you, they've been driving me nuts lately! If this is how the cooler weather is starting I am not looking forward to full blown winter!

My Grandmother passed away on November 14. I loved her and she was the best Grandma around.

After I told the boys that Grandma J was in heaven, Ty said to Donny: "So Grandma J is in heaven, right?" Donny said yes. Ty said, "Okay, but was she blessed?" Donny said "Yeah. She was blessed." "I'm blessed, too." Ty said.

Now, evidently, there is talk at Frohardt, where the boys go to school, that "Mr. Frohardt" is a ghost who haunts the school.
This makes me laugh.

And cringe for the future of our society.

But mostly laugh.

Anyway, after school Noah and I waited for Ty to come out. Seemed like forever! I sent Noah to find out what was taking him so long. He finally came out and said the he had been talking to a friend. As we walked to the car I could hear him telling Noah that they were talking about Mr. Frohardt and his locker. He told him that they found a half locker by one of the kindergarten rooms and so it had to belong to Mr. Frohardt. Noah asked Ty what happened to Mr. Frohardt and Ty bluntly told Noah that he was in hell.
My first reaction is to find the kids who are telling these ridiculous stories and tell them to KNOCK IT OFF! I don't need Ty saying this stuff. However, Donny and I looked at each other trying not to laugh because Noah's response was priceless. He said, "Why? Did he have a bad Mom?"

Oh kids.

On a totally different note. I thoroughly enjoy making jewelry and have even sold a few pieces. So I decided to make it a bit more professional. I have a site now through jewelrywonder.com. My jewelry is called Be You Jewelry Designs . Click on the store name to go to my page. Check it out and take a gander! I also do custom pieces so you can order anything you would like.

Hopefully I will be able to blog more often.
I enjoy it. It's therapeutic. It's stress relieving. It's fun!

I will teach...

Once again it's been a while.

How are you?
How's your family?

As I sat and tried to decide if I wanted to blog tonight or if I should wait until something hilarious happens with the boys, I was tooling around the world wide web. I realized that a blog I rather enjoy, I haven't looked at in a while. And I remembered that at church tonight I mentioned this blog to a friend.
This blog is by a woman who is witty and entertaining. And a Mormon.
Her blog a few days ago was about why she believes and lives as a Mormon. It was interesting and as I read I realized that her reasons for being Mormon are very similar to why I believe and live as a Pentecostal believer.
So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6


But the one that stood out to me the most. The reason that she gave that made me want to jump from my chair and burst into spontaneous praise is that she will teach her children to not be surprised.

I want to teach my children to not be surprised when God answers prayer.
I want to teach my 3 boys to not be surprised when God fulfills His promises.
I want to teach my 3 rambunctious hooligans that God is a healing God who desires to be close to His children. That they belong to the King of all Creation and therefore are Princes and one day they will meet their Princess (I pray for her already and for her family).
I want to teach my children that the Holy Spirit is a gift from God to comfort and provide a deep connection with the Almighty.
Church today was amazing and I saw God's healing hand at work and the Holy Spirit interceding on our behalf.
I also watched a video of a speech given by a woman who is a survivor of a botched saline abortion. WOW!

God is big.
He is bigger than my brain, or yours, can fathom.
*Singing* "I don't wanna box You in. You've been doing big things since the world began."
He is not so big that He can't help you. He is not so small that He can't help you.
His arm is not too short to save anyone.

I love my Father. My heart cannot beat without His help.
My lungs cannot breathe without His help.
He makes my feet move and hands work.
He lifts my head when the trials of this life seem too heavy.
He holds my  hand when I am scared.
He carries me when I no longer feel I can walk on my own.
He speaks softly into my heart to tell me just what I need to know at just the right time.
He speaks loudly when I don't listen like I should.
He loves me when I obey His commandments.
He loves me when I don't.
His grace, mercy and forgiveness are new every morning and reach beyond the darkest sin.
He puts a song in my heart and one day, one glorious day, I will sing a song to Him that the Angels will fall silent at the sound of.


I could doubt. I could worry. I could run scared for the hills. But God has gotten me this far and it wasn't for destruction. All His plans for me are good. And His Word tells me that He works all things for the good of those who love and submit to Him.
Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord to thee. Take my moments and my days. Let them flow with ceaseless praise. Let them flow with ceaseless praise. I am Yours. Set apart for You. I am Yours. Hungry for Your truth. Take my life. You are all I live for.

Amen.

Hello there. It's been a while.

So it's been a while since I have had time to sit and blog. Many things have happened. We've been told that Noah writes songs and he is working on one about Halloween and Lightning McQueen.
Ty told us that he can teach Donny to play the guitar because he has watched Uncle Chris play. Then, just a few days later, Noah comes running upstairs and says, "Ty is playing Dad's rock and roll guitar and he's going to learn me how"!
Ty was being tutored by a friend and she asked him if he knew what a synonym is. He told her no but continued to think about it. He said, "Oh yeah! They are kind of like M&M's only harder." We can only assume
I bought different bread. It's slices are really big compared to the Wonder I usually buy so when I made the boys their sandwiches for lunch today I just used one slice and folded it in half. It barely fit in their sandwich containers. Anyway, after school Ty was putting his lunchbox away and told Donny that he went to eat his sandwich but someone had eaten half of it! When I explained to him what really happened he just looked at me and told me "NO! Someone took a bite out of it!"

On another note...I'm considering moving my blog to Wordpress. Comments?

Always learning

In life there are lots of things to learn. Some things are more fun to learn than others. Some things you can only learn by experience and some things you learn in a school setting.

Take math, useful but horrible! However, when will I, just a mom, have to figure out if train A is going 75 mph and train B is going 60 mph then blah, blah, blah blah......Any way. Grammar, more people should pay closer attention to their teachers in this subject! Especially now with texting and such. Do you think one day they (you know..."they"...whoever "they" are) will change probably to prolly or love to luv? Things to ponder.

Some of my favorite things to learn are spiritual. I love learning of a radical redemption. I love learning of answered prayer. I love learning of healing. I love learning of any and every way that God chooses to make Himself evident in our every day lives.
Sometimes God's answers are "loud" and clear. We know that we know that we know that He has spoken into our lives and we have an absolute clear direction. Other times His answer seems slow  in coming. And still sometimes, His answer is very soft and we wonder if it was really Him or just ourselves. I tend to go that route most of the time. It's a personal doubt thing. I'm working through it.
And then, sometimes, His answers, healing and restoration come in the form of people. People He has prepared ahead of time to do what is necessary to get us through a situation.

Sure, God could've totally healed Donny's broken leg with just a whisper, a touch, a glance, a thought. But if He did that, we wouldn't be able to show others that God's promises are true! He will never, NEVER leave us or forsake us. If He healed the leg right off, we wouldn't have the opportunity to tell people that if it weren't for God, we would be destroyed and devastated.
No, God, in His wisdom and love, used doctors to repair the damage and is using this whole situation to build in us a testimony of faith.

God is so good. Just sayin'.

Mosquitos

Awful little creatures that have their place in God's creation....I don't like it but it wasn't my call!

Want to know why I don't like them?

This is why...

I know it may not be super clear, but let me explain. Do you see that large red oval shaped spot on my leg?
That is ONE, 1, uno mosquito bite. I have about 4 of those around my ankle. 3 above my knee. 4 on my shin.
And they all look like that.

Touchy Subjects

There are many things that are questioned, debated and discussed in the Christian realm.
This morning, on Godtube.com I saw a video from a pastor that put an interesting slant to one of those things.
Christians and Drinking. Is it okay? Is it a sin? Is it personal conviction? Is it cultural?
I really like the way he tells it and thought I would share.

Should Christian's Drink Alcohol? Read here to find out.

Thank heaven's for father-in-law's!

I just need to say first that if I could've found my camera I would've used it.
I woke up and went straight to the bathroom to brush my teeth. As I started, there was something in the mirror that caught my eye. I turned around and looked up toward the ceiling and there it was...it wasn't a figment of my imagination. It was a big spider!!!
I hate spiders.

They are creepy.

They are ugly.

I freeze when I am around them.

Hello, my name is Stacey and I am a self diagnosed arachnaphobic.

Seeing as my spider killing husband would be unable to help me today I did what any other red blooded American girl would do. I called my Daddy.

But alas, he would be unable to help because he was on his way to a job interview. He told me to use a broom but I told him that if I missed and it fell on me I would die. And he did what any red blooded American father would do. He laughed at me.

So I called my father-in-law because I knew he would be up and even probably out and about.
And he was and came to the rescue.

God Bless him!

Mamma's Boy

I have 3 boys.

My oldest.

The midddle.

The newbie.

Sometimes they get along just fantastically.

And other times....well, we won't discuss those. 

The oldest:

Enjoys being with family. Doesn't really matter who. He was an easy going baby and toddler. Shy but friendly and for the most part pretty easy going. 

Now, he's more outgoing but not quite as easy going. 

The middle:

Always outgoing and not shy. As a toddler he would ride in the stroller, grocery cart or wagon waving at anyone who seemed to be looking in his direction. 

He, too, enjoys the family but his preference is his Daddy.

Then there's this one...

I don't know what to do with a Mamma's boy.

I...

I...

Okay, I'll just say it.

I never wanted a Mamma's Boy!

I love him.

He's sweet and precious.

I will keep him.

But I would prefer for him to grow out of this....

Please don't tell me I'm horrible.

I'm just tired.

Family and Friends

I had a special thing happen today. My best good friend and two of  my fantastically awesome cousins became cleaning fairies and descended upon my house.
I seriously should've taken before pictures! They worked so hard on our bedroom and on the boys room.

You see, 5 months ago I was put on bed rest and all of the house work and child care fell on the shoulders of my husband who had just started a new job and was in training at the time. He did his best but things got rough! After having Colby I went into the boys room and cleaned...CLEANED! But our bedroom still was neglected and became a catch all for out of season, no longer fitting and any other type of laundry you can imagine. And then the accident happened and well..............

So, the boys room is now clean and many things they no longer played with or refused to pick up are out of my house. My bedroom is nice! And my closet door shuts! And I can walk on carpet!!!!! I am embarassed and ashamed that it got so bad but it is what it is and now it's nice and clean!

And through the cleaning we are donating about 5 bags of clothes and shoes to charity.

And I feel great!
Thanks ladies for your help and for promising to always look at me the same way you did before.

Again with the sample reviews

So it took me longer than expected to get the next review written. So let me start with a follow-up to the Dove review.

The day after using this shampoo/conditioner I woke up with soft hair that was so...

so....

lovely!

I still don't care for the smell but I think that overall I am satisfied with its performance.


Now for the next review. I received a bottle of Sprayway Glass Cleaner and I don't know how. I don't recall requesting it and it came in Donny's name and he doesn't have a clue as to why. But regardless, it's ours and I am never giving it back!

I HIGHLY recommend clicking the link above and requesting your own can. This stuff truly is the "World's Best!"

 I doubt I will ever use anything else from this point on.

Period.


End of discussion.

I think I need to go now. I see a window that needs to be cleaned.

Samples

I love samples. I love going through a store and getting a sample of something that I enjoy. I love being on Facebook and seeing an add for a product that interests me and signing up for a sample.
Sometimes it can take a few weeks for your sample to come in. Sometimes during those few weeks I forget even requesting a sample!
That's sort of what happened. I have 2 samples of hair care products. So I am using them and sharing my results/opinions with you.


The first is Dove Intensive Therapy Daily Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner.
1. There is enough in the sample for several days use.
2. I don't really care for the smell. It's a bit more masculine and it does linger on the hair throughout the day.
3. Now, it's still day one of using so I would like to use it a few more times before saying for sure that I can tell a difference in my hair but, my hair does feel pretty soft.

I plan on using this for a few more washings and see what I think. I don't think with a shampoo you will see instant results so I must give this a fair shot.

The next is going to be Nourish+Shine shampoo and conditioner by Aveeno. I can't wait to tell you how that goes :)

I will also be sharing a review of a glass cleaner that I really, seriously don't remember requesting but I am glad it came! But I will share that tomorrow.

So come back! Don't be a stranger. And don't forget to request your own samples!!

Through it all I have learned

Through all of the trials and struggles that we endure, God is with us.  

Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord will provide

Genesis 22:14 (Amplified Bible) 

¹⁴So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided.

 

Jehovah-Rophe: The Lord who heals

Jeremiah 30:17 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁷For I will restore health to you, and I will heal your wounds, says the Lord, because they have called you an outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no one seeks after and for whom no one cares!

 Jehovah-Shalom: The Lord our peace

Isaiah 26:12 (Amplified Bible)

¹²Lord, You will ordain peace (God's favor and blessings, both temporal and spiritual) for us, for You have also wrought in us and for us all our works.

Hebrews 12:11 (Amplified Bible)

¹¹For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness--in conformity to God's will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].

 Jehovah-Shamah: The Lord is there

2 Corinthians 3:17 (Amplified Bible)

¹⁷Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom)

Some of my favorite things for Kids.

Today is day 3 for favorite things.

And today is all about kids what I think are some great kids toys, websites and more.

 

In my opinion, Starfall is one of the coolest sites around. This is a site that teachers use for helping kids learn phonics, letter recognition and early reading skills. There are even printable worksheets to help your preschooler learn to write their letters! But don't worry, your early reader will enjoy the stories and other activities as well.

Another favorite of my kids is Playhouse Disney. Kids can go here to interact with their favorite Playhouse Disney characters. Games, activities and more will keep them busy for a long time. Parents can find party themed ideas complete with check lists, decorating ideas and food suggestions. You can even sign up for an online preschool program.

Not that I want my kids to be sedentary but let's face it, kids do like to watch TV and if they are going to then I would prefer it be something that is clean and educational. I'm all about clean shows for families to be able to enjoy together.

Our whole family enjoys iCarly. It's funny and I think it really encourages kids to be creative and use their imaginations.

We love Phineas and Ferb! These two boys and their cleverly disguised super agent pet, Perry the Platypus (a.k.a. Agent P) can't let their summer go by without making the most of it. All the while their sister, Candace, tries to bust them in action with their Mom. They sing, they dance, the create larger than life inventions in the hopes of having the best summer ever!

As far as educational shows go, we have a new favorite.

Your preschooler will love Chuggington. This "traintastic" crew of chuggers all about learning how to ride the rails are entertaining and full of lessons on every day life skills. They always know how important it is to tell the truth.

Another favorite of ours is Imagination Movers. Movers Rich, Scott, Dave and Smitty know what it means to brainstorm!

These 4 guys make using your imagination fun and exciting as they confront "idea emergencies" head on! Their lessons, songs and dance keep my boys laughing and moving.

Some of the best things for kids are toys. Toys get them active and keep their minds moving. I have selected just a few of the items that have been popular in our house.

Fisher-Price's Geo Trax have been popular with our boys for almost 6 years now! That's right. 6 years of fun and Ty still loves to build his track and Noah loves to put the trains together. These trains are built to last and that means perfect for rough and tumble boys. I am sure girls love them to but I have no experience with that. sigh....

What child doesn't go through a time when they are completely enthralled by dinosaurs? Imaginext toys by Fisher Price are awesome!

But there is more to Imaginext than just dinos. Go check them out. You won't be disappointed.

Video games weren't my cup of tea necessarily but now that you can get more educational games and systems that get your family moving, I am more of a fan. The Nintendo Wii and DSi have become great additions to our home. The boys can DS download and play many games together. The Wii is interactive and proves to fun for all. Whether you like to play baseball, go hunting, walk a tightrope or do yoga, the Wii will get you moving. I also love that we downloaded the original Mario and Donkeykong to play!

For the baby. It never ceases to amaze me how fast things change in the world of baby gear. Here are the additions we've made since having Colby.

This may be the best investment and #1 item you need to have if you have a baby. Gripe Water has been a miracle liquid in our home. It's all natural and almost instantly relieves the discomfort of gas and colic and hiccups in Colby.

Oh the Bumbo. This little chair is cute and Colby likes sitting in it. You have to be careful and use some common sense here. You don't want to put it on an elevated surface. I mean, let's be smart here people! But I do love it. We recently bought the tray that attaches to the front for when Colby is picking things up.

This sweet little play gym by Fisher Price changes with your baby. The Kick & Crawl Gym is bright and colorful and soft. Just look how it can grow with your little one.

Ty and Noah loved to play with these and I know Colby will too! Peek A Blocks are so much fun! There are so many different sets and items that go along with them for your child to get bored. Sensory, jungle, alphabet, circus, musical and list goes on.

Last but not least is our latest addition. Tony Hawk's line of clothing for kids. My boys just love it! Here are some of their faves!

 These clothes are great looking and well made. And the designs and colors are great!









Okay, so once again I have given you a peek at some of our favorites. It's your turn!
Tune in tomorrow for more of our favorite things.