Our Christmas Week

Wow! What happened to the past week?!? I can’t believe it’s New Year’s Eve already! We had a great Christmas with several family gatherings. It’s always a bit crazy, but I love seeing everyone.

The boys wound up with way too much stuff and we’re in the process of putting it all away and deciding what needs to go because it’s not played with anymore. I have the hardest time parting with toys that were once loved, but I desperately need to do it because the house is being overrun with their things that just are used.

Merry Christmas!

This morning we’ll probably be up somewhere between 6 and 7AM. Ideally, the later the better. We’ve all been a little under the weather and could use the extra rest. Hopefully the boys get the memo.

Today we’ll be tearing into our presents, working on our “thank you” words, and enjoying our time with family.

Whatever it is you do today, I hope you have a great day and remember the real reason for today.

Checkout Made Easier with Softcard

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Softcard. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Like most people, I try to get in and out of the store as quickly as possible. It’s important to me to be able to get what I need in a timely manner and to save money. Softcard is a free app that lets you pay using your phone, save with special offers, and store all of your store loyalty, membership, and rewards cards!

You can download it on your Android or Windows devices with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless service providers.

Gifts Santa is Leaving Out

We received products in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links included.

In our house, Santa wraps most presents. The big ones are left out unwrapped looking pretty awesome first thing in the morning. For Charlie’s second Christmas, his presents that were left out from Santa were a chalkboard and a kitchen. The items that are left out are usually the big ones that need put together. I hate the idea of spending Christmas day putting together gifts that the kids could be playing with instead.

 

This year, the boys will come downstairs to find a pile of wrapped gifts and some sitting out ready to play.

Stocking Stuffers

We received items below in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links included.

Christmas is less than a week away, but we have some more stocking stuffer ideas for you!

Quick question though: do you wrap your stocking stuffers?

Mom’s Holiday Picks from Netflix

As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I receive a Netflix subscription and a streaming device. All opinions are my own.

Most of what we watch is for the kids. This time of year, everyone is talking about the movies for kids (and there are a ton of them that we love). I’m going to share some of my favorite movies to watch on Netflix during the holidays once the kids are in bed for the night or on the rare occasion that they nap simultaneously and I’m able to get through a show of my own.

Hoodsbee: the hoodie that’s a friend

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own.

Getting coats and jackets on isn’t always easy with little ones, but with a Hoodsbee, I’m sure it’ll be much easier! Hoodsbee is a hoodie that transforms into a plush friend! 

This unique patented technology allows your little one to carry their travel plush buddy, put it on when it is cold, fold it back up into a plush and use it as a head pillow for when they are tired. It's as easy as 1,2,3! Fold, roll and snap! Now, not only do you have a pillow and a travel companion, but you also have a nicely wrapped up hoodie that is easy to store or travel with.

We received Anchor the Shark and it’s already a hit with Charlie! He was so excited to put it on, and hated when I had to take it off to show him how it rolled up into a cool shark!

VeggieTales: Beauty and the Beet

As a Family Christian Blogger, I received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

As you’re well aware, we love VeggieTales and I never mind adding a new video to our collection! We were really excited when our copy of Beauty and the Beet arrived!

Charlie wanted to put it in right away and of course, I did so and took advantage of the free time I had. Charlie and Owen both were entranced immediately. I, of course, loved hearing Kellie Pickler sing so many songs! Kellie Pickler stars in this VeggieTales spin on Beauty and the Beast and does a fantastic job.

25+ Candy Cane Ideas

I have to say I’m not particularly fond of candy canes, but they’re everywhere this time of year. Go see Santa, get a candy cane. Walk into a small business, get a candy cane. And you know after Christmas, all those candy canes will be on clearance!

I’ve put together some ways for you to use all of those candy canes!

Now go get all your candy canes! I’ve got drinks (grown-up and kid-friendly), cookies, candy, crafts and more!

Holiday Baking Must-Haves from Love Cooking Co

I received products in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included.

Baking up Christmas cookies has been a tradition for years, but I have to admit I’m one of those parents that just gets stressed out while Charlie is “helping”. Yes, I feel awful about it, but it is what it is and I try to cope. He adores helping Mommy bake and decorate, so I just deal and we get through it.

Love Cooking Company teamed up with Mrs. Fields and sent us some fun products to try. Now that Christmas baking is upon us, we made our first batch of sugar cookies this week. I just made them from a bag mix and hoped it would relieve some of the stress. After Charlie cracked smashed an egg on the table, I knew I made the right decision.

Once our sugar cookie batter was ready, I rolled it all out. I have never figured out how to roll out cookie batter correctly, so if you have some magic tips, please share!

Holiday Books from Candlewick Press

I received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

We love reading! It’s that simple. I grew up reading giant books in just a couple of days and hope that my boys develop a love of reading as well. Right now, I think we’re on track for that. We actually have a ton of books and if you ask Charlie, “I not need any more books. I has plenty”. He does have plenty, but I don’t think you can ever really have too many books. I think the key is to only have so many out at a time. I love being able to pull out holiday books and stock our shelves in preparation for Christmas!

Candlewick Press has some beautiful books that are perfect to pull out with our Christmas stash or to give as gifts!

Calm Nights with NightBuddies

I received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included.

Bedtime with Charlie can pretty much be a nightmare lately. He’s always looking for a reason to get up or saying that he’s scared (that’s new) so he wants someone to cuddle with him. We were sent two NightBuddies, one for each boy, and I know they’re going to love them!

NightBuddies are a plush night light that is made to comfort children during bedtime. What kiddo doesn’t like cuddling with something super soft to make them feel safe? They light up, but not the entire plush: just the eyes. The magical patented eye illumination creates a connection unlike any other plush!

Right now, there are 8 different NightBuddies to choose from: 4 vehicles and 4 sea life characters. Charlie will be getting Oliver the Orca and Owen, who loves anything that goes, will be getting WC Racecar.

$5 Gift Card of your choice with a $1 purchase at Peets Coffee & Tea

This post contains affiliate links.

Okay, so you guys know I’m not a coffee drinker. But… I do usually buy some coffee for Tom, so this deal is perfect for me! Coffee for him and a gift back for me!

Swagbucks has an incredible deal right now for all of you VISA customers out there - register your card via this offer and you'll get a $5 Gift Card of your choice (500 Swag Bucks) when you make a purchase of $1 or more at any Peets Coffee & Tea store!

 

Celebrating the Holidays at Medieval Times

I received no compensation in exchange for this post, but the giveaway tickets are provided by Medieval Times.

Chances are, you’re going to eat out during the holidays, so why not enjoy a show while you’re at it? Have you thought about visiting Medieval Times over the holidays?

Medieval Times – Maryland Castle has some amazing deals for you this month!

 

Special ticket pricing now thru 1/4/15 – Adults $34.95 and Children 12 and under $29.95 – must mention code 34DEC at time of reservation.

Hours of Entertainment with Sticky Mosaics

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included.

As you all know by now, Charlie loves all things artsy. There are a few things that we can pull out that will actually entertain him for an extended period of time. We’re always on the lookout for more of these types of activities.

Sticky Mosaics from Orb Factory have proved to be one of these activities that can truly entertain him for hours. Charlie will sit down at the table and really focus on what he is doing. We love projects like this that calm him down and focus.

 

Handprint Christmas Tree Wall Art

This post may contain affiliate links.

We’re finally adding some art to our walls and I love being able to add some for the holidays. Since Charlie loves any kind of crafting, this was the perfect choice for a new canvas for us.

 

Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Hi! We've been finding the best toys and gifts for the 2014 Holiday Season! The Holiday Gift Guide will be updated regularly, so check back to see what else we have found!

 

Happy Holidays!

Stocking Stuffers

We received some of the items below to include in our post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

We’re featuring items weekly that will make for great stocking stuffers. I’m hoping you’ll be able to find something for everyone each week.

Gaming Fun with TACTIC Games

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

We love playing games! If you haven't heard of TACTIC Games, give them a look and you'll be sure to find innovative, high-quality products. They love to entertain! We think games are important because they add that extra fun to social gatherings. Sure, it's nice to sit around a table and share a meal, but add a game and you've got a party!

Tactic’s goal is to be number one in board games through…

• high-quality games, puzzles and playing cards for players of all ages
• fresh and exciting new games as well as well-chosen classic games
• the right balance between elements of luck and strategy in games
• the best possible entertainment for players of all ages
• outstanding price-quality ratio in all games
• creating the feeling of wanting to play again and again

Choco, The Memory Treat Board Game

Playtime Fun with GALT Toys

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

I don't think that playtime should always be educational. While I know some people do, I think kids should be able to just run around and be crazy sometimes. With that being said, I do believe that education is an important aspect of play. We've found some great products from GALT Toys that really bring out the fun, but sneak a little learning in there too.

As you know, Charlie is really working on his alphabet skills at preschool (and home) and loves anything he can do with them!

Alphabet Puzzles// Opposite Puzzles

KidOFit Shoes Offer Barefoot Comfort + Giveaway

We received product in exchange for this review, but all opinions are my own.

Our boys have both been early walkers and were running at their 1st birthday parties. Before they really start walking, it's all about cute shoes (if shoes at all)! Once they're on the move, we want to make sure they have a good shoe: one that is comfy, ergonomically designed and can really offer a long lasting fit. And if they're cute, that's even better!

We were recently introduced to KidOFit shoes and I fell in love! These shoes offer all of the necessities for kids that are constantly on-the-go: running, dancing and playing! Medical experts worldwide agree that barefoot walking is optimal for foot development and enhances good posture for growing kids. KidOFit uses unique soles, made of thin, flexible elastomer, which perfectly mimics the barefoot walking experience and promotes natural foot motion.

Discover Your Role in God's Story

This post is sponsored by Family Christian, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

- Proverbs 19: 20-21 (NIV)

Like most, we have a really hard time putting all our problems in His hands. The verse above is a reminder that God has plans for us and that no matter what plans we set for ourselves, His will prevail. It can sometimes be hard to know what our purpose is, but I feel better just knowing that everything happens for a reason (good or bad) and that He is working on our story.

Get Creative with Crayola for the Holidays

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

We all think about Crayola for back-to-school supplies and those giant packs of crayons, but do you think about giving Crayola products for Christmas?

Charlie loves crafts, coloring and all things artsy. We try to give him gifts that can really be used and allow his imagination to go crazy. He'll be getting a box of Crayola goodies to restock his craft drawer.

Buck Denver Asks... What's In The Bible Vol. 10

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

As you already know, we're big VeggieTales fans. The creator of VeggieTales, Phil Vischer and a bunch of hilarious new friends explain the entire Bible to your kids in this groundbreaking fast-paced and fun-filled DVD series: Buck Denver Asks... What's in The Bible. Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News includes two 25 minute episodes: God’s Perfect Timing - Buck Denver and crew learn about the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments and how Jesus arrives at just the perfect time & The Messiah Has Come! - Learn about the life and ministry of Jesus-how He died for us and rose again to launch the kingdom of God in the world and in us!

Awaken Love The Song Devotional

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

Do you remember when you first started dating your spouse? That time was so magical and special! Shouldn't marriage be that way too? Marriage should be all about giving freely to one another, but instead it becomes robotic and we do the same thing day after day without thinking. When you add children in, it becomes even crazier. The saying is "time flies when you're having fun", but I'm pretty sure it flies by us whether we're having fun or not. I think we could all use a little more fun and love in our marriage. 

We need to work on putting God at the center of our marriage, so it can flourish and we can grow together as He intended. I recently received Awaken Love (The Song Couple's Devotional) and I'm really looking forward to going through it with Tom. We just finished our first small group study through our church, but this is something we could do with just us.

Kids Preferred for Baby’s 1st Christmas

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

I think Baby’s 1st Christmas is a big deal! We had this talk last year with a couple of friends that had babies born around the same time as Owen. Last year, Owen was less than 2 month old at Christmas, but it was still his 1st Christmas. I saw some friends saying they weren’t really getting anything for the baby because they wouldn’t remember it and they’re too little to play with anything. I don’t care how old you are, a 1st Christmas is a 1st Christmas. You don’t get that year back.

I was sent some awesome items from Kids Preferred that would be perfect for Baby’s 1st Christmas!

Game Gifts from Winning Moves

We received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included.

We love playing games. We used to have a weekly game night with a friend, but that hasn’t panned out lately. I really hope we can get this going again because it was a much needed break from the reality of life and some extra socialization for the grown-ups!

Winning Moves sent us a box of great games to restock our game closet!

Christmas Tree Traditions

I absolutely love Christmas trees! Every year, we go to one of our local tree farms, Cherry Grove Tree Farm, to pick out our tree. I really like taking the wagon ride out to explore the land and pick out a tree that we love. Last year, Owen was only about a month old so we skipped the wagon ride and picked out one from the barn that was pre-cut.

This is actually the same tree farm that we used to go to when I was little. I love being able to take my family to the same places I grew up going to. Creating more memories combined with my own just seems extra magical to me. This year the ride took us way out to a part I’ve never been!

Stocking Stuffer Ideas

We received some of the items below to include in this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included.

For the next couple of weeks, we’re going to be sharing some great finds for stockings. Most of these you’ll be able to find in your local chain stores, but others will be online only. Be sure to check back for stocking stuffer ideas for everyone in your family!

Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas

This post contains affiliate links.

I knew I wanted to do the Elf on the Shelf with our kids someday, but didn’t realize all the work it was! Tom got me the Elf on the Shelf for Charlie’s first Christmas in 2011. We attempted to do it in 2012, but Charlie was too little and we didn’t worry about it too much. Last year, we tried a bit harder, read the book and still failed. This year- this year we’re going to really try! I’m sure in comparison to most, we won’t be up to par, but hey… if I remember to move him- I’ve succeeded!

I’ve gathered some great Elf on the Shelf posts from my friends to share with you and save for myself! We’re going to need all the help we can get to make it this year!

Building Fun with K’NEX: Lincoln Logs

We received product to facilitate this post, but all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

K’NEX is known for awesome building sets, but did you know they have brands other than K’NEX now?

Who doesn’t remember playing with Lincoln Logs as a kid? I’m not really sure if I had my own set, but I definitely remember playing with them. Now, my boys have one of the largest Lincoln Logs set ever created! 

The Collectors Edition Homestead features over 330 real wood Lincoln Logs, as well as a frontiersman figure, 2 horses & a buildable covered wagon that really moves! This huge Lincoln Logs set is packaged in a beautiful, silver-accented tube for durable storage! As a parent, having a home for all these pieces is a necessity, so I love that we can reuse the packing container for storage.

 

[Giveaway] Disney Frozen Surprise Slides Game

Christmas Gifts at Family Christian Stores

I received a gift certificate in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links included.

If you’re not thinking about visiting a Family Christian Store for your holiday shopping, you need to!

As far as getting ready for the holidays, the Little People Nativity is a must for us! I’m so excited to put this out this year and explain things visually to Charlie. And, since it’s Little People, I don’t need to worry about him breaking them. My mom has a beautiful Precious Moments set and I hold my breath every time Charlie goes near it. This year will be worse with Owen on the run. I think Mommom may need one of these as well this year!

I saw something posted this past week that sounds like a great idea for the Nativity Set. It said to place the three wise men in other rooms and move them closer to the manger every day. It also said not to put baby Jesus in until Christmas morning. I thought this was a great idea and something we may be trying this year.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

This post may contain affiliate links.

Everyone loves pumpkin everything this time of year. I have to confess: I don’t. I’m not one of those pumpkin crazy people, but I do like it from time to time. I decided to make cheesecake brownies, but add in some pumpkin for the fall. We were supposed to have dinner last week for our small group, but had to cancel due to a sick kiddo. Well, I’d already started making our dessert to bring. We ended up going last night and I had to remake these to bring because we had already devoured the first batch.

Personalized Books from I See Me!

This unique gift is brought especially to you by our friends at internationally award-winning publisher Chronicle Books. We received a free book, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included.

Charlie is a reader, just like Mommy, so his Christmas presents always include a few books! I am so excited for him to open his I See Me! personalized book!

Today at the grocery store, Charlie pointed and started saying excitedly “I see A, I see A”. There was an “A” in the word bakery above the deli/bakery. He’s at that stage where he’s all about the alphabet and loves finding his name and letters that he knows in our everyday travels.

I See Me! offers all kinds of unique personalized gifts: Lunchboxes / Puzzles /Coloring Books/ Placemats / Stickers  and Growth Charts! Something for everyone and every occasion! For Charlie, we chose a personalized book: M is for Me!

Crazy Cups for the Coffee Lover

I received product to write this post, but all opinions are my own. Affiliate links may be included.

In full disclosure, I’m not a coffee drinker, but Tom is. However, he doesn’t really care for flavored coffee. He prefers regular coffee tasting coffee.

When the Crazy Cups Sampler Box came in, it was so pretty!

Every Man Jack for the Men in Your Life

I received product to write this post, but all opinions are our own. Affiliate links may be included.

Tom, like most men I’m sure, just uses whatever is in the bathroom. I try to get neutral smelling things, but sometimes they come out fruity or a little flowery. Every Man Jack makes simple, affordable, high-quality grooming stuff just for guys.

They say that it’s “Everything he’ll need, and nothing he won’t” because all of their products contain no parabens, no sodium lauryl sulfate, no phthalates, no aluminum, no dyes, and no animal byproducts. How awesome is that?

VTech InnoTab Learning Cartridges

I received product in exchange for this post, but all opinions are my own. The VTech product, gift card, information, and additional gift pack have been provided by VTech. This post may contain affiliate links.

Do your kids have a VTech InnoTab Learning Tablet? If they do, put these two games on your list for your 2-6 year olds! If you don’t already have an InnoTab, check out our review of the new VTech InnoTab MAX.

These are perfect for us and they’re already put away for Charlie for Christmas! We’re concentrating on letters and writing a lot this year and games always make learning fun!

 

Minted Holiday Photo Cards

Thank you Minted for sponsoring this post. Affiliate links may be included.

We send Christmas cards every year. Last year we only received about ten cards though. I was super bummed about it and hope this year is better. We live in such a digital age that’s all about social media and email, but I love getting those pretty cards for the holidays. Anytime after Thanksgiving (it’s this week if you haven’t looked at your calendar) I expect the cards to start rolling in.

Earlier this year, I made a beautiful new piece of art for our wall from Minted. While Minted sells a ton of awesome products, I’m talking to you today about their Christmas and holiday cards.

I don’t know about you, but I have THE HARDEST TIME trying to pick out which card to send. For starters, I have four people that need to look good in a photo at the same time. If you’re a parent (you probably are if you’re here), you know the struggle. Once I narrow down a couple of pictures, the problem is deciding which design to choose.

 

Learning Fun with LeapTV from LeapFrog

We received product through MommyParties and LeapFrog, but all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

When I first saw LeapFrog’s new gaming system, LeapTV, I was a bit hesitant. I’ve always been a bit of a gamer and Tom is as well. We have a couple of game systems already that have the power to let you interact by movement via camera.

I’m really glad we gave this a shot!

The LeapTV is listed on all of the hot lists for the holidays this year. It’s the cool new game system for kids that teaches letters, numbers, shapes, math, colors, reading and so much more. If you have other LeapFrog products, you know they put out some awesome educational toys. This is right up there with the rest of them.

Why I Shop on Thanksgiving

There are Facebook groups you can join, stickers you can wear, and signs you can post saying that “Pledge not to shop on Thanksgiving”. Honestly, who cares? There are so many more important things to worry about than not shopping on Thanksgiving.

• Thanksgiving is not a religious day. It’s a holiday. There are a plenty of holidays that people work on. I’m more concerned about people working on days that have religious significance to them (no matter what that religion is). Thanksgiving is a great day, but it’s not a holy day.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Reality Shock!

I received product to facilitate this post, but all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

When we were in Myrtle Beach in October, we visited Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium. There are certainly some crazy things you can find in there! While walking through, I knew that this was something older kids would LOVE! I was happy to receive Ripley’s newest book and think it will be a great gift this year for one of Charlie’s older cousins.

With all new content, Reality Shock! is a mix of “can’t bear to look, but can’t look away” stories, people, facts and photos. It’s just the ticket for teens and tweens, whether they’re reluctant readers or constant page-turners.

 

IncrediBundles.com for Extraordinary Baby Gifts

I received product to facilitate this post, but all opinions are my own.

I am always on the lookout for unique gifts. IncrediBundles.com, the home of extraordinary baby gifts, offers bundles that are perfect for those new babies!

About IncrediBundles

At IncrediBundles.com, we decided that the traditional baby gift-basket needed a drastic revision in order to truly meet the needs of new parents and babies. So we threw out the wicker basket, cellophane and paper shred and discarded the generic baby care products. In their place, we designed adorably chic reusable storage containers and filled them with the very best award-winning toys, books and products for babies – selected by experts and approved by parents. The result is our innovative line of IncrediBundles, each designed to address a specific area of an infant’s development.

Buck Denver Asks… Why Do We Call It Christmas?

I received a free copy to facilitate this post, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links.

Charlie is at that “WHY?” stage and has been for some time. I don’t really see an end to it actually. This movie from the creator of VeggieTales answers a lot of whys in Buck Denver Asks… Why Do We Call It Christmas? 

 

ALEX BRANDS: Something For Everyone

We received product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.

Have you heard of ALEX BRANDS? ALEX BRANDS is a family of brands that includes some of the most iconic names in the toy industry. Their brands include: including ALEX TOYS^®, POOF^®, SLINKY^®, SCIENTIFIC EXPLORER^®, IDEAL^®, ZOOB^® and BACKYARD SAFARI™, ZILLIONZ™ and CITIBLOCS™.  From classic, timeless toys and games to open-ended activities that emphasize children’s developmental needs. ALEX BRANDS™ lends itself to a lifestyle of creative and active play.

16 Thanksgiving Side Dishes To Take With You

Like many people, we don’t host Thanksgiving, but love to bring something with us for dinner. Certain things travel better than other of course, but here’s a pretty good list to get you started! You’re bound to find something on here that you can take with you to your next holiday dinner.

 

Get a $10 Credit to Educents

This post contains affiliate links.

Have you heard of Educents? If you haven’t, you need to check them out ASAP!

Right now, if you become a new member, you get a $10 credit in Edubucks! This credit can be put toward your purchase of anything and everything! (no minimums or catches)

 

Educents is a daily deal marketplace for educators! Find brand new educational products discounted up to 100%!

I believe every family should have access to affordable educational resources. On Educents, you might find study guides, ebooks, educational software, learning tools and toys, and so much more!

Be sure to get your $10 credit and snag a great deal! Let me know what you get!