Wow, it has been a fun week following this series! And, I feel like I get the fun part of sharing about decoration ideas and traditions! As I began to think about this, I thought a good first place to start was in preparing our hearts for thankfulness. How can I communicate that to my children? How do I instill a grateful heart, when our human nature urges us to want more or better?

One of my favorite books for young children on thankfulness is Count Your Blessings. Little Bear and his mama count through his days all the things he has to be thankful for. I decided it would be fun for my girls to make their own book counting things they are thankful for.

I am planning to do this with my girls: look around for things we are thankful for - one thing, two things, etc... all the way to ten. We will take pictures, print them out and make a little book out of them. It would also be fun to make them into coloring pages for them to decorate! Try this site using this code (PR24QCHT) to create these! (Thanks, Carrie!)

Another thing we do every November, is something my Mom started when we were growing up. I've shared about this on my blog before - but since it is a tradition, it is worth sharing again! My Mom would make a chart that had all the letters of the alphabet down one side and, during the month of November, we would write things next to that letter we were thankful for that started with that letter.

I've created a table in Word that can just be printed, cut out and taped into one long strip, and have continued this tradition every year in my home as well. Click on the pages to enlarge and print if you are interested in doing this in your home.

After we have begun creating a mindset and heart of thankfulness in ourselves, the next thought that comes to me is how can we reach out to others. During big holidays like this, there are many who are overlooked. Many who do not think this is a happy time or maybe feel like they don't have anything to be thankful for.

I remember in my late teen years and then when I was single, going to a soup kitchen to help serve Thanksgiving dinner. I have tried locating something like that where I live, but haven't been successful at finding a place seeking help.

When that happens, it forces us to be creative doesn't it? I want my children to remember reaching out to others for as long as they can remember. I don't necessarily think that they aren't old enough to start learning now.

Now, lots of you know that my husband is a police officer. And, when I asked his advice about this dilemma, he suggested that we offer to have an open house on Thanksgiving afternoon to allow the officers working that day a chance to come by and have a warm and tasty meal. I love that idea!

I can certainly remember the days when it was my husband who was having to work on holidays and I appreciate the service of these men and women to our community. We usually eat our family dinner in the evening anyway, so it works great for us to make the meals available in the afternoon. We just found out they are going to take us up on this and I'm planning to have my girls draw pictures to present to each officer as well to help include them in the opportunity.

Of course, each family will have to think of what would suit their situation, family size, age of children, etc... But, here are a few ideas to get you going:

* Check with your local police or fire stations to find out about serving those who are faithfully serving your community.
* Call Meals on Wheels and volunteer to deliver meals on Thanksgiving Day to give regular volunteers a day off with their families.
* Find a local Soup Kitchen or Salvation Army that is serving dinner and volunteer.
* Check with your local hospital, children's hospital or nursing home to find out how you could help there.
* Call a children's or women's shelter and inquire about serving.

This is just a small sample of ideas we could check into. The main thing is how we present it to our children.

One other thought on reaching out is something we do every year as well! This is another one I mentioned last year, which is the Thankful for You Breakfast tradition. Each year, I make and deliver a special Thanksgiving breakfast to someone who has been a blessing to me or our family during the previous year as a way of saying we are thankful for them. You can read more about this idea and find recipes here.

Now that we have prepared thankful hearts and actually reached out and served others, let's talk about our own table and how to make it special.

I am one of those people who likes to think of something new and different every year, something that makes the table special and beautiful. Here are the things I'm planing this year:

I started with a simple piece of burlap as a table runner! Next, add your dishes ~ napkins, silverware and glasses to make sure you have enough room for the important things!

Now, comes the fun part! Look around and find a pitcher, pot, anything that you like for the centerpiece. I tied a ribbon around mine and an old pocket watch to tie in with the idea of a "Time to be Thankful" ~ now, go outside and find some limbs: your choice! Either with leaves on or off, whatever you think looks pretty. Provide markers to have guests write things on the leaves they are thankful for!

The pumpkins have been on my porch decorating for Fall out there. After Thanksgiving, I will cook and puree them for making pies.

Create place cards! I used old spice and perfume bottles here and filled them with pumpkin pods and corn. Gather some sticks from your yard and cut out scrapbook paper - top with a photo of the guest and there you have it!

I am Thankful For cards: Having just gone through a family loss - it reminds me that often we aren't practiced at sharing with those close to us why we are thankful for them or love them. Why not take the opportunity to share while we can!?

Another fun idea would be to learn a hymn together as a family. Memorize a special passage of Scripture, study about the first Thanksgiving, there are so many things you can incorporate!

I've had fun sharing about our Thanksgiving traditions and would love to hear yours as well! Don't forget to link up your Thanksgiving ideas tomorrow at Crystal's and thanks so much for joining all of us this week for this Thanksgiving series!

Labels: crafting, holidays, traditions

How about repurposing something you may have sitting around or have found at a thrift shop? I found a pair of ice skates in a local thrift shop and then was given two more pair recently! What fun!

Here's what I did with them ~


Cheery red ribbon has replaced the laces, sparkly green snowflakes dangle from each skate and a cute Merry Christmas tag hangs at the top! These would look great hanging on a sled on your porch, added to some fresh greens or leaning near a cozy fireplace!

What is your favorite item to repurpose into a Christmas decoration?

Labels: handcrafted christmas

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to watch a movie called Sarah's Choice which was released on DVD yesterday.

Sarah's Choice is the story of Sarah Collins (Rebecca St. James) who is on the rise in her career and doing just fine without God in her life. But, all that changes when she finds out she is pregnant, not married, probably not qualified for her job promotion and unsure of what to do.

This movie follows the journey of her heart as she struggles with what will happen now, which way should she choose - should she consider an abortion? How would she ever be able to care for a child on her own? Why does her mother always disapprove? Why would God care, it doesn't seem like He has before?

I really liked the movie - it seemed to me to be a realistic picture of the struggles that could be inside an unwed mother's head and heart. And, I saw a realistic picture of the judgment some of them must feel from Believers.

I saw how those around the mother can really influence her - for good or bad. Some will just tell her what they think she wants to hear, some will pressure her into a choice to accomplish her goals, and some will be willing to speak truth. What kind of person will I be?

A powerful addition to the movie would have been the inclusion of Sarah having an ultrasound or hearing the baby's heartbeat and showing the life already inside her. While they mention the baby is alive in talk - it would have been powerful to see as well.

As with anything, not all of us will agree with every detail of the movie - but I am looking at the overall picture and possibility for impact. And, I think on both accounts - this movie has the power to encourage and challenge.

This movie strikes me as a great tool - one that will be useful to me as a mother in training my own children. It could provide a great resource to recommend to a friend or acquaintance who might be undecided in an unplanned pregnancy. And, I'm sure it will be a valuable tool for local women's centers.

I am very interested in collecting movies for our home that focus on applying God's truth in our lives. Movies that show a journey of coming to God, drawing closer to Him, crying out to Him and eventually show a change of heart are at the top of my list. This study guide would be a great addition to watching and discussing the movie.

When I see a changed life, it invites introspection on my part - what do I need to change? What things am I facing that are difficult? How can I be a witness to those around me of a changed life?

Sarah's Choice is a movie I would be pleased to share with my young adult children someday. This is the kind of movie I am excited about and encouraged by. And, this is the kind of movie that I think God can really use in not only encouraging those of us who love Him, but also as a tool to draw others to Himself. I hope you will get a chance to enjoy this great movie as well! You can watch the trailer here ~

Labels: culture, family, reflections

It's swap show and tell time! I don't want to show what I sent yet, because I'm not sure if it has made its way to Nova Scotia!

Ellie was my partner and I thought it was so charming that she sent my box from a small fishing village in Nova Scotia!

Goodies included were:

* Delicious looking hot cocoa and homemade marshmallows - yum!
* NOEL sign (also a picture frame!)
* metal cookie cutters - love those!
* homemade dish cloths
* winter scene pot holders
* yummy tarts and a blueberry votive
* a Christmas skit book
* primitive ice skates magnet
* rusty jingle bell - love this!
* Angel chime

Thank you, Ellie for such a fun box of goodies! And, to all the swappers for participating in the Noel swap! You can see more swap show and tell here!

Labels: swaps

We're having our family Christmas photo taken Saturday and I'm still undecided about what to wear with my skirt! HELP!

Or neither? Pick something else?! I need help deciding - I've tried on a bunch of combinations tonight and am having trouble deciding.

Labels: fashion

I have an order for one of the Names of Jesus Christmas garlands. While I'm at it - is anyone else interested in ordering one this year?

Garlands are $8.00 plus 0.75 shipping. I will accept orders until Friday morning at 8 a.m. Eastern Time.

Details:

Patterned papers are topped with names of Jesus and laminated.

All circles are tied to a ribbon creating a wonderful garland praising the One we celebrate at Christmas! Nine circles in all saying: Oh, come, let us adore Him; Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace; Jesus; Emmanuel; Son of the Most High; Glory to God in the highest.

Garland measures approximately 60 inches in length and has loose ends to the ribbon so you can tie to the appropriate length.

Note: paper choices and ribbon will vary

I made lots and lots of these last year, so hope all of you will enjoy pulling yours out this Christmas!

Labels: crafting, gifting, holidays, The Rusty Robin

I've seen this wonderful idea linked a couple of places - and knew immediately I wanted to make one! Here's how mine turned out - I couldn't find a foam wreath, so cut out a circle from a Fed Ex box that came in my mail! Some hot glue and a recycled song book - and there you have it!

Labels: being thrifty, crafting

You are all cordially invited to a Thanksgiving Progressive Dinner - blog style! Each day this week, a different blog will be hosting "dinner" with all kinds of ideas for your family Thanksgiving! There will be table ideas, presentation ideas, traditions and yummy recipes!

We're starting out at Crystal's today with our next stop tomorrow at Amy's! Then, Wednesday we're off to Jessica's, Erin's on Thursday and back here on Friday! Saturday we'll finish everything up back at Crystal's with a big Mr. Linky list of all kinds of Thanksgiving ideas - make sure to stop by and link up your idea as well!

All of us ladies have been working on this via e-mail for quite some time and I'm excited to see it all come together this week! One of us is hosting each day this week - so make sure to stop by each blog for all the Thanksgiving fun! Enjoy!

Labels: blog fun, holidays

Here's a concoction that was born out of using up what was in our fridge plus a little of what was in our pantry!

4 Tbsp. butter
1/3 c. onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 c. flour
salt and pepper to taste
1 can chicken broth
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained
1 c. cooked chicken, cubed
1 c. shredded cheese (I used Mexican Blend)
4 oz. sour cream (about 1/2 c.)
1 c. milk
2 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled

Melt butter in a sauce pan. Add onion and garlic and saute until onion is tender. Stir in flour until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Slowly whisk in chicken broth. Stir in corn, beans, chicken and cheese. Add sour cream and milk. Cook until heated through - stir in bacon crumbles and serve! We had ours with grilled cheese on homemade bread - yummy!

Serves 2 adults and 3 children for 2 meals!

Labels: from my kitchen

While making the Gratitude Wraps - I was on the lookout for a cute notebook to slide into one of the pockets. Instead, I bought this very inexpensive memo book and made it cute myself. Here is how to pretty up a little book for your Gratitude Wraps!

Labels: being thrifty, crafting, gifting, handcrafted christmas

You all know by now that when I say my friend Grace and I got together there was some crafting taking place, right?! This weekend was no exception! We both had sewing projects to work on - but managed to come up with and squeeze this project in as well.

I've been wanting to add the tradition of the advent wreath to our home. Last year we sort of did it and maybe one other year. But, this year I wanted to really do it right. One day I was talking with Carrie about advent wreaths and have done a lot of searching for something I liked and wanted to use in our home.

However, apparently - what I was looking for did not exist. Everything I saw just wasn't right for some reason or another. Coming up with a new idea seemed like a good option. I did struggle with wondering if doing something was a little bit irreverent, but realized that God is the one who gives us our creativity and it does not say anywhere in the Bible that we should have an advent wreath or exactly how it should look. The heart behind it is what is important!

So, here is what we started with: (the completed project was right around $10 not including candles)

* an advent wreath base (found on sale at Jo Ann's for $4.99) includes the metal wreath form and four candle holders plus a basic greenery wreath
* four cuts of Christmas fabric (we bought 1/4 yard of each and only used about half of this to make two wreaths)
* Christmas paper that coordinates

Next, we cut strips of fabric with pinking shears and tied them on to branches of wreath. We just kept adding fabric until it looked the way we liked it.

After that, we made little tags with the fun paper and wrote meaningful Christmas words on them - the words we used were:

* Noel
* peace
* joy
* come (what advent means)
* King
* lamb
* behold
* Jesus
* Emmanuel
* hope
* glory
* light

These little tags were tied on with red and white string around the wreath. We finished this the fabric and tags while watching Flywheel ~ a relaxing evening!

Add your candles and you are finished! We had a hard time finding taper candles! I am not really crazy about these candles - but they are what we could find and I chose not to do the traditional purple/pink candles.

Now I am anxious to get the Christmas books out of the attic and brush up on how to implement this. Do you have a great online resource for celebrating advent? Please share!

I'd love to get this book ~ and I know it's a long shot, but before I order it does anyone have a copy they'd like to sell?

Labels: crafting, handcrafted christmas, holidays, reflections