Thought I’d join those hibernating bloggers for the Christmas break. If you see a post, it’s already been scheduled. If you wonder what I’ll be doing while hibernating, well it won’t be sleeping. Here’s a short list.

Working on my WIP

Unpacking boxes

Organizing my school room…again.

Unpacking boxes

Watching movies

Figuring out some blog stuff

Hanging pictures on the wall

Cleaning out the old garage

So what will you be doing over break?

 

 

 

And YOU should too!

 

MERRY CHRIST-MAS!!!

After reading these authors Christmas traditions I want a Christmas do-over! Why doesn’t it seem like Christmas here? The weather is chilly, the tree is up, we’ve had family and friends gather over the week? But the real reason is that we’ve been too busy to reflect upon what Christmas really means.

Well, it’s not too late and tonight we’ll engage in our favorites. Unfortunately we skipped the Christmas paper chain where we write down the name on a friend or family member on the link of the chain and tear off one a day and pray for them. It’s the way we count down for Christmas. And decorating the tree this year was more like a “hail Mary.” With unpacking our moving boxes, the tree was just another thing to unpack and we didn’t even listen to Christmas music while doing it! And what about those Christmas movies. Scrooge, the musical, It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas, etc. We’ve hardly watched any, but there’s always next week.

And there’s tonight when we will write our Christmas letters to Jesus, take down the stockings and read out letters from years past, and play secret Santa.

Then there’s tomorrow morning when the kids will run downstairs to find the presents under the tree GONE! We will reenact the Christmas story with costumes and all and then go search for our presents like the Wise Men searched for Jesus!

Come to think of it, I don’t need a Christmas do over! Christmas will be just as wonderful and magical as it is every year!

Merry Christmas!

Years ago I started something with my children that has now turned into a Christmas tradition. We write letters to Jesus.

I started writing these letters out of a desire to give a gift to Jesus on Christmas. After all, it is HIS birthday.

When my kids were too little to write, I wrote for them and let them draw a picture and sign their name. Here’s a sample of my 14 year old’s first Jesus letter when he was four. (I did have to prompt him to think about what he was thankful for.)

Dear King Jesus,

I love you King Jesus. Thank you for my toys my grandma gave me. Happy birthday Jesus. I’m so glad it’s Christmas. Thank you for being in my heart. Thank you Jesus for I was a baby and you made me. Please Jesus let me have baby Sabrina. (I was pregnant with Timmy at the time and that was our girl name.)

Love,

Chris

There’s no set day we write these letters, but on Christmas Eve we all find a quiet corner, get down our Christmas stockings where we put our “presents” for Jesus and read the letters we’ve written over the years. (I started writing my own letters a few years ago.) They boys really get a kick out of the ones they wrote when they were little and it’s really neat to see how much they’ve grown in their relationship with Jesus from one Christmas to the next.

So if you’re looking for a new Christmas tradition, why not write a letter to Jesus tonight. And if you’re reading this after Christmas, don’t put it off until the next year. Start your letter now, and tuck it away in a safe place, so you can pull it out and read it again next year.

I don’t think Jesus will mind getting a belated birthday present!

Our church has been taking part in the Advent Conspiracy. A Christmas project to minimize commercialism and spending, and promote relationships and the true meaning of Christmas. It’s still not too late to join the conspiracy and in fact, this post from Beck @ Frog and Toad are Still Friends sparked and idea of how we can bless those without clean water in Africa this year!

and it’s not too late to participate!

“Stop shouting,” you say “and just tell me what’s here.” Okay, since you asked…

Blogapalooza’s here!

“What’s blogapalooza?” you ask. (Aren’t you full of questions!)

BLOGAPALOOZA is a variation of his regular monthly What I Learned From… groupwrite projects (collectively known as “WILF?) – but with an exciting (and hopefully not too confusing) twist.

Middle Zone Musings is sponsoring this Blogapalooza which will be an amazing of collection of what What I Learned From 2008 from participants.

Robert Hruzek’s Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. In Robert’s words:

And he’s got something to say… “I don’t ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax…

So How Do You Participate?

1. Search your archives and pick one post from each month you´ve been blogging in 2008
2. Create a list of the links to those posts*, including a brief description of each one. VERY IMPORTANT: Please use MS Word (preferred) or Rich Text formats ONLY!
3. E-mail the list to me (rhruzek@sbcglobal.net) as soon as possible! If you like, also include a blurb about yourself and/or your blog, and a flattering photo of yourself (in .jpg format, please).
4. REQUEST (NOT REQUIRED): Please publicize this project as much as possible – blogs, Twitter, Facebook or whatever social media you use. The more that participate, the bigger and better it´ll be!

(*NOTE: Please be sure to validate your links!)

Now, here´s the great part: once I (Robert)receives your list, I will post it as a guest post! Yup, you read it right, friends! Your link lists will appear on the Zone! Wow, how great is that?

They will start appearing every day, starting January 5 and continuing through Sunday, January 25!

So Why Should You Participate?

So why would you want to participate, you ask? Hey, glad you asked!

Well, when I post your entry here, then Voila (which is a French word that translates roughly as holy SEO, Batman!), you´ll receive as many as 12 (and maybe even more) incoming links to your archives (trust me; that´s a good thing!) – and that´s my Christmas present to you!

Hey, we had quite a party last year with a total of 30 entries. I´m tellin´ ya, my poor overworked fingers were flyin´! Yessir; there were over 300 outgoing links to posts all over the blogosphere, right here from the Zone! Now ya gotta admit; that´s a whole lotta link love!

I don´t mind tellin´ ya; I´d like to knock the socks off last year´s project. Call me crazy (you´d be right), call me irresponsible (who me?) or call me insane (also true), but this time I´m goin´ for 100 posts! But to do that, I´m goin´ to need your help!

Sound like something you want to try? Great; then assuming you´ve been payin´ attention, then you know what to do!

But first…

BLOGAPALOOZA RULES

Hey, ya gotta have rules, right? Otherwise… chaos!

Now as always, groupwrite projects are open to anyone. But please remember these simple rules:

• Be nice. (Now, that wasn´t so hard, was it?)
• Please only link to posts that are G-Rated. (Fair warning: I reserve the right to link to your posts – or not. If I receive a complaint, I may delete your link.)

All right, ladies and gentlemen; you know what to do! Grab the writing instrument of your choice and get to it!

[Further note from the Proprietor - I realize it may take time to write your entry, but the sooner you get it in, the sooner it appears! I surely thank you, and as a token of my appreciation - have yourself a cookie!]

In our home we have at least a dozen Bibles.

NIV
NAS
NKJ
The Upward New Testatment
Women’s Bible
Men’s Bible
Family Bible
The Picture Bible
Archaeology Bible
The Message
Pocket size Bibles
Purse size Bibles
ETC.

But what I love about a new Bible is that they’re all different and offer a different perspective or angle. The New Testament Bible: The Greatest Story Ever Told is perfect for my eight year old who’s already been looking up scripture in his plain, no frills Bible.

This new Bible will be a real treat for him this Christmas. Why? Because it’s colorful and inviting and has sections to help you memorize scripture, and select stories from the Old Testament.  I won’t have to worry about him reading about Sodom and Gomorrah and explaining all that business with the Angels. But he will get the heart of the Old Testament with passages such as Creation to the First Sin, Noah, Abraham, Moses and the Plagues, Joshua and the Promised Land, David, Psalms 22, 23, 91 and a sections from Daniel, Isaiah, and Malachi.

Aside from containing the entire New Testament, it has chapters on “Becoming a Child of God,” and “How you can tell someone about Jesus.” It even has a dictionary.

I love the layout and how each book of the New Testament starts with a summary and key questions to get my little guy’s mind focused on what’s to come. Each book also starts with some facts and a key scripture. I think this is just the right thing to get my eight year old back into the Bible!

Here’s more…

In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, the distractions of holiday preparations can easily eclipse the truth at the heart of the celebration: Emmanuel, God with us.  This Christmas, parents can bring the true meaning of Christmas into focus by placing a special gift under the tree—a colorfully illustrated Bible from a series that has reached an estimated 240 million people in 160 countries.

Envoy House Publishers is introducing a brand new illustrated version of the New Testament just in time for Christmas gift-giving.  “Many kids think the Bible has small text and no pictures, and if there are pictures, they’re probably boring.  Our version brings kids the New Testament and selected Old Testament passages filled with illustrations that make it easier to read,” says Envoy House Publishers President David Hunt.  “The presentation is simple, effective, and captivating.”

With its colorful animation style artwork and easy-to-read New Living Translation, the MIS New Testament is a perfect way to introduce the young readers in your house to the gift of God’s Word this Christmas.  And because it is being offered at an introductory price of $15.52, it is the perfect item to complete an Angel Tree gift, food basket, or other Christmas present for outreach. 

Church groups will also want to check out some of the other products in The Most Important Story Ever Told series, including the 32-page booklet and a set of four coloring and activity books available in both English and Spanish versions.  Discounts are available for bulk purchases.

Because the MIS New Testament, along with all other MIS children’s products, is always wholesale priced, it is only available directly from Envoy House Publishers.  To place an order, and to view a complete list of products, visit http://www.mostimportantstory.net/mis-product-details.php?id=135.  

A special Christmas discount will be applied to all orders placed by December 22. And if you order one, make sure you let them know where you heard about it!

and cats, and horses and even skunks! Yes, I did see a skunk on this animal lover’s website Anamigo.com is a new online community for pet lovers and their pets. It doesn’t cost a thing and all you have to do is join. Check out this minisite which explains everything:

http://anamigo.smnr.us

I’ve entered my cute pup a contest they’re hosting! So I’d really appreciate your vote. Anamigo.com with daily prize of $25 and a weekly prize of $125, totaling $300-a-week for the cutest pet photos (voted by users).

Then if you’re a pet owner/lover you sign up your pet  and start making friends.

Did I mention I entered my cute pup? So go and vote!

It’s become a tradition in our home to wrap each kids presents in a different kind of wrapping paper. It’s really made wrapping presents easy. No pesky name tags, and I can just throw the presents underneath the tree. The different wrapping paper is easy to find. Of course, it’s important to remember which paper goes with which kid so I just keep a sample with their names on it hidden until Christmas morning.

Over the years I agonized with the Santa issue. Should we pretend or not? I know I was devastated at 6 when I found out Santa wasn’t real. I cried and cried and cried. I remember it well. Plus, I wanted Christmas to focus on Jesus not Santa, so when my kids were little we sort of avoided the whole Santa issue. We visited him in the Mall and watched movies, but we never over emphasized that he brought presents.

I remember one year my four year old believed on his own that Santa brought presents and there was no talking him out of believing. My six year old (Grace) tells me Santa is dead! Just like that! But she knows that he once lived and loved Jesus very much! If you haven’t read the story or St. Nicholas or seen the movie, I wrote a post all about it.

I’ve never been happy with the way we’ve done Christmas morning. When the kids were little we dove right into presents. Then when we got older we read the Christmas story. But I think we’ve finally found a unique family tradition that they actually look forward to.

On Christmas Eve most of the presents are already under the tree. We do a traditional “gifts to Jesus” and read books and such, then off to bed. In the morning the gifts are gone! And we reenact the Christmas story. Then like the wise men, my kids go off and find their presents. They are only allowed to retrieve the presents with their wrapping paper. It should be exciting this year since our home is twice as big.

What are you favorite Christmas morning traditions?

When it comes to technology I’m so behind the times. We just got cable and I have a cell phone with no internet or text messaging. I have a camera, Zune and digital recorder which do the basics, though I’m sure they can do so much more and I recently got photo editing software I’m still trying to figure out. I’m intrigued by the iPhone, but know if I got one I probably wouldn’t get all my money’s worth!

When I heard about the Windows Mobile Platform and how easily it syncs with PCs, I thought it looked easy and that’s what I need. Easy!

Here’s just some of what it can do:

Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile keeps you connected to your e-mail, calendar, and contacts with the familiar Outlook features you know from your PC. You can sync most Windows Mobile phones over-the-air, through your mobile operator, or at a wireless hotspot. Your calendar, contacts, and tasks are up-to-date. Plus, e-mails and attachments arrive with their original appearance intact, so you see tables, graphics, font colors, formats, and Web links just as they were sent.You can use Outlook Mobile to:

• Organize information in folders, just like on your PC

• Send and receive e-mail from Web-based services like Yahoo! Mail and from Internet service providers like Comcast and EarthLink

• Synchronize your calendar and contacts with Outlook on your PC or your company’s network**

• Search your company’s central address book for contacts you don’t have in your own contact list**

• Send meeting requests, track attendance, and receive detailed responses to your meeting requests when using Windows Mobile 6**

The Samsung Omnis is one example of the new phones out this holiday season and if we didn’t need to buy stuff for our home this would be on my Christmas list. You can find out more information at www.windowsmobile.com

And the good news is that there’s still time to get this one under the tree or give it!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?   Wrapping paper. I pick a different paper for each of my kids and on Christmas morning they go “search” for their gifts like the Wise Men search for Jesus. It’s become a favorite Christmas morning tradition!

2. Real tree or Artificial?     I grew up with real and love them, but a couple of years ago putting up the tree was stressing me out, so we got an artificial one and the kids have a great time putting it together. Maybe someday we’ll go back to real. I’d love to make a memory of cutting down our own tree out in the woods. It would make a great scrapbook page, if I ever got back to scrapbookings!

3. When do you put up the tree?   Depends how busy we are. I like it to go up after Thanksgiving. It’s so much work, might as well enjoy it as long as you can.

4. When do you take the tree down?   After New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog?   Hubby and kids love it, Me, not so much. Too thick and creamy which is strange to hear me say since I LOVE rich deserts.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?    Can’t really remember, but I have pictures of us coloring in a LARGE coloring book and I remember loving it.

7.  Hardest person to buy for?      My teen right now. He finally made a list yesterday. All cds.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?      Yes, always sits in the middle of our mantle.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?     Both and we actually took a decent photo at Thanksgiving. Maybe I’ll get them out before Christmas this year!

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?   A stainless steel sink. I mean, come on hubby, we needed one anyone, and you’re gonna pass it off as a Christmas gift. To his defense he also gave me the best Christmas gift ever that year. He bought me my domain name ginaconroy.com for ten years!!!

12. Favorite Christmas Movie?       It’s a Wonderful Life, Scrooge, the musical, Lillies of the Field (technically not Christmas, but we watch it every year) White Christmas, The Bishop’s Wife…did you say ONLY one.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?     I shop all year long picking up stocking stuffers for my kids, but most of shopping is done about now!

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?  I’m sure I have.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?    Fish and Pasta, shrimp on Christmas Eve, Date nut bread on Christmas morning. Not turkey for this Italian thank you. I mean, didn’t we just eat that a month ago!

16. Lights on the tree?   A better question is twinkling lights on a tree? Most definitely, I love the way the lights bounce off the ceiling.

17. Favorite Christmas song?      Anything my son sings.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?   Used to travel when kids were little. Fun, but such a hassle lugging presents. Definitely home now.

19. Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer?  All ten of them! Yes, ten…come on, you can name them also…stumped? Leave me a comment and I’ll send you an email with the name of the last reindeer!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?   Both, we alternate years.

21.  Open the presents Christmas eve or Christmas day?   One on Christmas Eve, we play a sort of secret Santa (St. Nick style) and the rest Christmas day.

22.  Most annoying thing about this time of the year?  Traffic and that it’s so easy to get caught up in the gift giving that we forget about Jesus.

23.  Favorite ornament theme or color?     Hodge podge ornaments on the tree. Though one day I want to have a tree to myself to decorate in burgundy and gold.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner.  I don’t think we have a standard. My kids love Beef brisket and Shrimp. Or maybe that’s our New Year’s Eve dinner. Christmas Eve is the big traditional Fish dinner.

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?  A book contract!!!

26. Who is most likely to respond to this?  Hopefully YOU!

OK, now it’s your turn! Let me know if you post so I can come read your answers =)

In case you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping…

Guitar Praise: Read my review

Dance Praise Revolution: Read my review

Ripstick or High Tide

 

 

My kids loved this dragon series! Click photo to find out more.

 

I don’t know what it is about these “theme” Wii lego games, but my kids love them from the 14 year old to the 6 year old girl. They have this one and the Star Wars Saga and Bat Man. My 8 and 6 year old can’t get enough of them!

And well, if you don’t have a Wii, you’ll need this!

 

 

This year my daughter wanted a baby doll so we bought her a store bought one for Christmas to “try out” just how much she’ll play with it. But she’s also expressed interest in the American Girl Dolls. While I like the ideas of those dolls, I do not like the company. But I found a great alternative. Girls ‘n Grace Dolls. It’s a company set up by a Christian mom who wanted to impart values and teach her girls about the grace of Jesus Christ. The company also produces books about the girls and has an interactive website!

 

 

Does your tot love Rescue Heroes? (My 6 and 8 year old still play with them.) Then they’ll love the Almighty Heroes. Developed by the guy who first brought us GI Joes, this chunky toy reinforces Biblical stories and values through play! I had the privilege of meeting the creator at ICRS and the interview is just waiting to come out of my digital recorder!

And for fun…Add you own Top gift to the comment section below! I still have a few more gifts to buy!!!

While wrapping presents this morning, I got to thinking. I’m a terrible wrapper. I’ve always been. I’m the kind of wrapper that molds and folds the paper to cover the gift, and sometimes has to tear off a stray piece or add another section of wrapping paper to cover the gaping whole.

I started thinking, why aren’t I a good wrapper? The kind where I want my presents to be all neat and crisp and pretty? But I already knew the answer. My personality if foremost choleric, which means my mantra is “get it done” opposed the a melancholy who lives by the code “get it done right.” That’s why my presents are all wrinkled and crude looking. But I don’t mind. And I don’t think my kids will either come Christmas morning!

What about you? What kind of wrapper are you?

Last Saturday our ACFW writer’s group had our second annual Christmas Basket fundraiser auction. We had 23 baskets of books and goodies. That’s about double the amount from last year. I wasn’t able to help put these together this year, but if it was anything like last year the ladies worked hard and had a blast.

I don’t have the total, but I believe we made close to $300 dollars and that was just from our members. Maybe next year we’ll have to open it up to the public!

Here are some photos of the baskets. I won two bids! Not that I needed anymore books, but I didn’t buy them for myself!

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Quills And Promises
Barbour Publishing, Inc (May 28, 2008)
by
Amber MillerABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hi, I’m Amber, but my friends call me Tiff, short for Tiffany, my first name. I am in my 30′s, married the love of my life in July 2007, and live in beautiful Colorado just east of the Front Range of the Rockies, but I love to travel and visit new places. Ultimately, my dream is to own horses and live in a one-level rancher or log cabin nestled in the foothills of the mountains. For now, I will remain where I am and do what I love—design web sites and write.

Amber’s very first book, Promises, Promises, released in February 2008. It’s a historical fiction set in Delaware during the Colonial period and the Great Awakening. The other 2 books in the series are this current one, Quills And Promises (July 2008) and Deceptive Promises (December 2008). In 2009, they will be repackaged for a state set entitled Delaware Brides. She has also sold another series set in historical Michigan during the Industrial Revolution. The 3 books in that series will begin releasing in May 2009 and will be repackaged in 2010 as Michigan Brides.

ABOUT THE BOOK

– Separated from Madison when he leaves to fight the French and Indians, Elanna Hanssen must choose between her heart and her head, especially when Madison’s integrity is questioned. —

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not until thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” ~Proverbs 3:5-6

Innocence paired with wisdom beyond her years. With these traits, Elanna Hanssen unwittingly captures the attentions of Major Madison Scott. Her honest desire to understand the war fascinates him, and he resolves to get to know this perspicacious young lady better. When his military duty separates them, they begin a correspondence, cautiously baring their hearts to each other. Elanna has never known emotions like this before, but she is drawn to the integrity she sees in her major. Wh a local news reporter questions the major’s credentials and activities, however, will she allow her heart or her head to rule? Can true love grow over such distance and around such obstacles?

If you’d like to read the first chapter of Quills And Promises, go HERE.

 

 Mom Central is an awesome site for busy moms. It’s full of advice to help simplify life and who couldn’t use that during the holidays. On top of product reviews which I’ve had the privilege to participate in, they offer guest bloggers, authors and forums to help you in your daily life.

During the holidays they’re offering the Mom Central Holiday Gift Guide. Just click on a package for who you need to buy for and it will send you to a page with suggestions, reviews and links where you can purchase the item.

Mom Centrals mantra is “making a list and checking it twice.” And that is just what they have done so you dont have to worry about whether you picked out the perfect gift. Mom Central has done all the work for you! If you are looking for that unique and innovative gift. Check out Mom Central. They often get products to review before anyone else so there suggestions are sure to please even those picky relatives.

You can also be part of their Mom Central Testing Panel by registering here. 

In keeping with the holiday spirit, they are giving away daily prizes, but to be eligible to win, participants must register on Mom Central, log-in, and leave a comment on the post. In addition, if participants tweet or email friends about the giveaway, they can earn another entry! In order to earn the entry, simply go back to the Mom Central Review blog and leave a second comment letting them know.

I am heading over there now to see what prizes I can register for!

But what else is new. We’ve been living down at the theatre for the last three weeks and had our first opening night. I posted video on Facebook because it’s easier than posting it here! But I will try and upload some photos!

We also had a cast party here Satruday night and the kids had fun! So did I and the house is the PERFECT party house. We had 30 people here and didn’t feel crowded at all, except when eating pizza in the kitchen, but we just added an extra table and it all seemed to work out well.

We’re trying to reevaluate our schedule and might be dropping Grace’s afternoon music class because it moved from Wednesday afternoon to Tuesday evening and I’m just not excited about having to get out for a class at 6:15. She already dropped ballet because it was too boring and I’m realizing the girl needs action, to move more and ballet is just too slow. I might look into gymnastics again because she never complained about that, but she also wants to try hip hop jazz. Hubby keeps reminding me she’s only 6. She has plenty of time for activities.

Homeschool is going well. I finally found the Saxon Math 3 worksheets I’ve been looking for all year. We’ve been doing math, which is mostly review, but now I have the worksheets and we can breeze through it easier.

There’s so much I want to blog about and maybe now that the play is almost over I’ll have the time!!!

My dad sent this to me via email. Hope it brings a smile to your face this Monday morning!

Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop.

Avoid arguments with the Mrs. about lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives; then you’ll be afraid to cough.

You only need two tools in life – WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn’t move and should, use the WD -40. If it shouldn’t move and does, use the duct tape.

Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

If you can’t fix it with a hammer, you’ve got an electrical problem.