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Dec 13 2013

season of giving

Posted by hayley
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It is astonishing how many toy catalogs arrive in the mail this month! How do these people know I have kids and obtain my mailing address?!

I blame the NSA.

Songbird will lay on the floor with a pen and circle nearly every item inside to put on her “Christmas List.” Hey, at least it keeps her busy for 30 minutes. But as much as she enjoys those magazines, there’s another one she gets equally excited about.

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It seems impossible to completely shelter our kids from this nation’s  “gimme” culture. But there are things we can do to curb it.

As a family we have decided that Christmas in our home is about time together, traditions, and the birth of Christ. Not gifts. The focus isn’t on how much piles up under the tree, but rather what happens around it. We do not exchange gifts with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or even grandparents. (Birthdays are fair game, however).

Each family member gets just 3 presents – one from each other member. Oh, and Santa also fills stockings with small trinkets.

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One of our Christmas traditions is the act of giving. The last 2 years when the World Vision catalog arrives, we spend a little time reading to Songbird about the needs of others.  It sparks some very interesting educational conversations. She has such a compassionate soul and her exuberance leads to a sea of red sharpie circles.

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Just as we each unwrap 3 presents Christmas morning, we also pick 3 gifts to give to families in need around the world through the help of World Vision. This year Songbird chose a goat, a share in a Mongolian Ger (yeah, I had to read the deets on that one too), and a newborn care kit. We want our kids to know that regardless the depth of their resources, they should always be seeking to use their blessings to benefit others.

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After all, the greatest Christmas gift had humble beginnings too.

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Someone should probably tell her coins don’t go over well with the post man…

Tags: Christmas, giving, songbird
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Dec 4 2013

homemade wreaths

Posted by hayley
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I’ve never been one to decorate like crazy for seasons or holidays. Our entire Christmas collection even fits in 2 smallish tubs – stockings, ornaments, a nativity and a nutcracker. This is the first year we’ve both owned a home and had kids, so we are expanding our collection! Lights on the house, garland on the fences, and an assorted mix of stuff for the mantle.

Songbird and I decided to also make our own wreaths this year. We took a trip to the dollar store and I let her choose her own knick-knacks. The wreath form is from Walmart… their greenery was fuller. A walk through the nearby woods provided plenty of beautiful pinecones, too.

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Songbird decided on placement and I manned the hot glue gun. The reindeer antlers and tongue out are critical for serious concentration, people.

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Total cost of the wreath was $8! She has a real eye for wreath design and is proudly displaying her work on her bedroom door.

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I tried my hand at it, too! Not bad for my first wreath. You could easily spend $50+ on a similar sized pre-prettied one in the store. With a 36″ wreath form also from Walmart and dollar store toppings, this $23 beauty didn’t break the bank either!

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Tags: cheap wreath ideas, christmas crafts for kids, christmas wreath design, diy wreath design, dollar store wreath, songbird
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Nov 25 2013

songbird sillies

Posted by hayley
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wpid1111-IMG_5140.jpgThere are many entertaining things about living with a 5 year old. Not least of which are the wonderful, filter-less thoughts that tumble from her brain sometimes. Here’s a few I don’t want to forget!

“Daddy knows everything. Well, him and Jesus. They both know everything.”

“The best thing to do when you’re sick is to lick your elbow.” (pretty sure she meant cough into your elbow)

After overhearing Handsome and I having a disagreement over the phone, Songbird interjects… “Let’s just give your husband some time and see if he calms down.”

The other night her bedtime story choice was Disney’s Cinderella. The last page says if you keep on believing your dreams will come true… “I keep believing, but my dreams don’t come true.” “Well, dreams can come true if you work hard at them. What are you dreaming about?” “I’ve been dreaming of a pet unicorn and to grow fairy wings.”

“My feet smell like Audrey’s dog.”

“Will you please pick my husband for me? I just don’t know how I will ever find a good one.”

Tags: kid stuff, songbird, songbird sillies
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I'm Hayley. Wife and mother by day, DIY enthusiast by night. Fueled by sweet tea and jelly beans, I own power tools and know how to use them. Consider yourself warned.

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