Felt Poinsettia Pins

*This post was originally published on 12/16/13.  Enjoy!

I love poinsettias.  They're so festive and cheery.  I think there's something perfectly Christmas-y about poinsettias.  So while I was thinking about creating something for my mom and grandma, I really wanted to include this holiday treat.  And that's how I came up with these Felt Poinsettia Pins

You'll need:

Red or white felt

Hot glue and gun

Scissors

Buttons

Glitter, optional

1. Cut a paper petal template in two sizes of your choice.  One for the first layer, and a smaller petal for the top layer.

2. Cut 6 petals of the larger size and 6 petals of the smaller size.

3. Start arranging your bottom petals, overlapping and gluing as you go.

4. Glue your top, smaller petals on top, overlapping as you go.

5.  Adhere a decorative button in the center.

6. Add the pin back to the reverse.

7.  Finally add glitter glue of your choice to add a little sparkle.

And there you have it... a pretty gift for someone special this holiday season.  Enjoy! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Prayers for a blessed holiday of

reflecting on all we have to be thankful for.

Count Your Blessings today and...

Stay tuned for lots of holiday fun coming your way!

Including the Kids in Thanksgiving

 *Originally posted on 11/16/15.  Enjoy!

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday to focus on family, friends, and blessing.  It's the quiet holiday just before Christmas.  No presents, no huge holiday displays... just a thankful heart to give and receive.  And dare I say, it's one of the most important holidays on the calendar.

But for a kid, Thanksgiving can be quite lack luster.  No wrapping paper to throw off, no holiday music, cold weather and football.  How can we better include them in this important celebration?

Here are just a few ideas:

1. Create a Thankful tree-- Find a pretty vase and have the kids gather some sticks and rocks and start the tree.  Then add tags or colorful construction paper leaves.  Have the kids write down something they're thankful for, then interview others and include theirs as well.  See how many things you can find the be thankful for.

2. Have them set the table-- Thanksgiving is filled with pretty plates, cloth napkins, and shiny silverware.  It fun to set the table all fancy with vases and runners.  And it's a great time to learn about proper place settings and etiquette.  You might be surprised which of your kids gets the decorating bug.

3. Include them in creating a snack platter-- Appetizer and snack platters are fun to create with little hands.  Have them slice olives and fruit, arrange pickles, create a vegetable turkey, or mix up the dip.

4. Or a special desert-- We're making pretzel turkeys this year, but why not decorate cupcakes to go with the pie?  Or stir up a fruit dip?  My kids love helping run the mixer or learn to make homemade whipped cream.  Kids love being in the kitchen and since most deserts can be made ahead of time, including them in making desert avoids a time crunch.

5. Read a Thanksgiving book together-- Snuggling up with a good book together is always a great way to spend an afternoon.  Some of our favorites include: The Bernstein Bears Give Thanks, Turkey Surprise, The Thanksgiving Story, The Very First Thanksgiving Day, and This First Thanksgiving Day. 

6. Or watch a special Thanksgiving video-- We love watching Walton's movies on Thanksgiving.  Or why not pop in old family movies and walk down memory lane.  Or create your own family movie on Thanksgiving.  Interview other members of the family.  What are they thankful for?  What do they remember about Thanksgivings past?

7. Create Thanksgiving crafts-- Create a fingerprint fall tree with the kid's fingerprints.  Make a paper bag thankful book with a turkey on the cover.  Play Thanksgiving Bingo.  There are so many turkey crafts out there.  Go browse through Pinterest.  :-)

How are you including your kids in Thanksgiving this year?

The Wild World Handbook: Creatures {Review}

 

Divided into seven categories of creatures, the Wild World Handbook is packed full of information for learners of all ages.  Each section contains biographies of individuals influential in that field, DIY activities, field trip ideas, action points for making a difference, and more!  And there are facts and information to keep kids learning for a long, long time.  

This handbook is broken up in a way that makes sense and keeps the reader engaged.  Flowing from facts to biographies to action points, it kept me wanting to search out more and keep learning.  The activities were do-able and the information was interesting without being overwhelming.  I learned so much reading through this one and I know my kids will love it as well.  This would make a nice addition to any homeschool or a wonderful gift for animal lovers.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream

 *This post was originally published on 11/21/12.  Enjoy!  I certainly do!

Thank You, Pinterest!  I have found the yummiest Pumpkin Ice Cream.  And I can make it in my own home.  Dangerous, I know.  And to celebrate, I want to share this yummy recipe with all of you so you can enjoy this seasonal treat with me.  So if you're looking for a new Thanksgiving dessert or you're like me and just can't imagine saying farewell to Pumpkin Ice Cream till next fall, keep reading!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice Cream
(from I Wash You Dry)

1 c. Pumpkin
1 c. Sour Cream
8 oz Cream Cheese
2/3 c. Sugar
3 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 c. Cream

1. Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Put in ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's directions.
3. Serve immediately as soft serve or put in freezer to set.
4. Serve with crushed graham cracker or dusted with cinnamon/sugar mix.

I love setting this ice cream in the freezer and dusting it with cinnamon/sugar mixture.  The cinnamon/sugar just gives it a slight crunch and it's so yummy!  Hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I do.  If not, just send your leftovers my way.  :-)

What seasonal treats are you enjoying right now?

Weekend Links ll November 19, 2021

13 Movies and Shows for Kids

All About Mathematics

Free Thanksgiving Worksheets

Free Gratitude Journal Pages for Kids

Turkey Veggie Tray

Green Bean Bundles with Honey Garlic Butter

This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

We are definitely feeling the changing of the seasons with our meal plan this week.  Our crockpot has been working overtime.  My favorite this week was a homemade minestrone with tortellini.  We all loved it and it was on the night that really rained.  Perfect comfort food!

What I'm Reading:

This week I read The Christmas Table.  Yes, I know... we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet.  But I needed a fun seasonal read.  I'd never read this one before and I have to say the storyline was unlike anything I've read before.  Quick read, but very good.

What I'm Doing:

We were out of town last weekend for my daughter's first dance convention.  That was an interesting first experience, but she loved it!  She got to learn from a variety of talented teachers and try some styles of dance that she doesn't always dance in.  While she was in class, my husband and I had some time together... exploring and reconnecting.  We were also able to see some old college friends and that was quite a treat.

What I'm Enjoying:

Soup season

Weekly library trips

Good books

Local restaurants

Christmas picture books!

What are you up to?

Christmas Bells of Creekside {Review]

Noel and her young son, Micha, are working to rebuild their lives in a small town.  After a medical diagnosis and an abusive marriage, Noel is determined to keep her and Micha safe, but it's quite a struggle.  When Noel's nanny quits, she's stuck in the tough situation of being a single parent and trying to keep a steady job.  Plus her ex-husband has made false accusations in the past, leaving her scared to reach out for help.

Keith also finds himself at a crossroads.  Coming home to a past he'd rather forget, he soon learns that the job he once had is no longer an option and mending family relationships may be his only chance.  But with a pushy mother and an even pusher ex-girlfriend, Keith isn't so sure how long he'll last in this small town.

Christmas Bells at Creekside was my first introduction to this author.  Ciara Knight has a way of writing very believable characters.  Both the life challenges and inner struggles of Noel and Keith were relatable and genuine, and I couldn't help, but hope for the best in their storylines.  The author didn't shy away from or minimize their challenges, but did a good job of balancing the reality of their situations without making the book too depressing.  The story was somewhat predicable, but far from cheesy.  And it made for an interesting holiday read.  My only note on this book would be that I wouldn't put it in the Christian category.  Perhaps it was placed there because of how clean it is, but it doesn't touch on any elements of religion or Christianity.  Still it was a very clean, enjoyable holiday read.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins ll It's Fall Y'all Collab

*This post was originally shared on 9/14/18.  Enjoy!

(Click on post for video)

This muffin recipe is a favorite in our house and we can't wait to bake more of them in the coming season!  Rich, warm, flavorful... perfect for all.  Which do you prefer in the fall, pumpkin or apple?

Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5GkvzudsTs4SsN2CQTrTAZFRiY96BQXW&disable_polymer=true

Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑16yrs led to 👱12 yrs, 👧10 yrs, and 👱 7 yrs.

Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com

C O N N E C T
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FTC DISCLOSURE: This video is not sponsored.

Music Attribution:

Summer Smile by Silent Partner

A few favorites:

Secret Channel Book Swap Unboxing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyPNMWsNZ04

Back to Homeschool Supply Haul 2018:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3n8v5nCpLk

They Cancelled Our Flight to Hawaii:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mi_9TOtAy6c

Our First Day of School 2018:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGErJBl4vnI

Our Eighth Grade Curriculum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcRI2-eBOZA

Our Fifth Grade Curriculum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3j2N-SaUIL0

Our Second Grade Curriculum:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtBuF09Bmbw

Our First Poetry Teatime:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To6OIs1zZo0

National Adoption Month--Foster Care/ Adoption Q&A:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW8yHx4CdyQ

Our Foster Care Journey: Adoption Day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb_sy6kYDJ8

Weekend Links ll November 12, 2021

10 Steps to a Debt Free Christmas

Tomato Wild Rice Soup

Fall Printable Board Game

Parts of a Turkey Printable

Teaching Gratitude Through Praise and Worship

This Week:

What I'm Cooking:

The weather has really turned the past couple of weeks.  So our menu has been filled with soups: tomato, taco, stuffed pepper, ... all the favorites.  This change of seasons has definitely been tasty.

What I'm Reading:

I just finished a couple of my personal reads this week so the primary book I'm reading is our family read aloud.  Right now we're in the middle of Peter Nimble and the jury is still out on how we feel about it.  I'd be curious to know if you've read this one.

What I'm Doing:

Cleaning up the backyard

Feeding the hummingbirds

and lot of homeschooling!

What I'm Enjoying:

Nightly snuggles with the kitty,

Cooler temperatures,

Rainy days,

Slow mornings!

What are you up to?

Divine Disruption {Review}

 

In this collaborative book, Tony Evans and his four adult children share a personal inside look at the divine disruptions they've walked through as a family.  Starting with the death of a cousin, the Evans family endured loss after loss, resulting in the death of six family members and culminating with the arrival of a global pandemic.  Life was literally turned upside down, leaving them all questioning, "Where are you, God?"

This book, Divine Disruption, is a result of a promise the Evans children made to their mother before she passed from cancer.  For years, it had been her wish that they write a collaborative book, and it was after her death that they found a common project: how do you work through life's unexpected losses and challenges, while holding on to faith?  Their unique voices share how they found peace with God, persevered through the difficulties of life, and determined to work past the disruptions of life.

This book was honest, transparent, and, at times, heart breaking.  With the loss of their mother only a few years removed, the pain is understandably still fresh.  The authors don't shy away from the unfairness of the past few years, but rather lean into the sovereignty of God through Biblical wisdom and open conversation.  One of my favorite quotes came near the end of the book when Jonathan Evans says:

"Faith is depending on God when you're living in the unknown, and sometimes the Lord lets us hit rock bottom so we can experience that He is the rock at the bottom."

Wow!  That one powerful statement gave me a lot to meditate on in my own life.  And that's just one of the many insightful observations in this book. 

Divine Disruptions was my first introduction to any of the Evans' writings, but I can guarantee, it won't be my last.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

The Case for Christ Devotions for Kids {Review}

This 365-day devotional combines historical fact and theological truth as the author, Lee Strobel, builds a case for why Jesus is Christ.  Written to address the questions of 8-12 year old readers, this Case for Christ devotional combines Biblical history and research to encourage your child's spiritual growth.  Each day includes scripture, short devotional, questions for contemplation, and prayer.  This is a great book for really personalizing the faith.  The author does a very good job of laying out prophesy and history in leading up to the deity of Christ.  We included this devotional in our homeschool morning basket, but it would be great for family devotions or as a book for individual study.  Personally, I loved reading through it with my children as it really forced me to think and reflect as well.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book for review.  All opinions are my own.

Our Fall Morning Basket ll Nov '21

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 Join The Creative2xmom Family on their journey of being a family of 5! 💑20yrs led to 👱16 yrs, 👧13 yrs, and 👱 10 yrs.

2021-22 Read Aloud List: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5AXS5J4AcY&t=467s Case for Christ Devotional Review: coming soon! Scripture Memory Box System: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RE1TZJi5k4&t=4s How We Teach Music Appreciation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ib4fsrUWm-Q&t=9s How We Teach Artist Study: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVymu6AWLos&t=1s Adventure Handbook Flip Through: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bT4zXKQDpnI Contact us for business inquiries, reviews and collaborations: BethAnn_97@hotmail.com C O N N E C T subscribe at http://www.youtube.com/creative2xmom read at http://www.creative2xmom.blogspot.com like me on http://www.facebook.com/creative2xmom follow me on https://www.instagram.com/creative2xmom/ https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/52903?ref=nav_mybooks Music Attribution: Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod FTC Disclosure: This video is not sponsored. *This video is not intended for audiences under 13 years.